RL August-September 2016

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ruralliving.co.nz

August/September 2016

What’s your beef?

Dexters, of course

Museum Fit for a king

Franklin Expo Good to go

On the front – Foote RURAL | FASHION | BEAUTY | FOOD | GARDEN | HOME MOTORING Rural| Living — April-May 2016 — 1

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Brought to you by members of Franklin’s

Largest Rural/Lifestyle Sales Team PUKEKOHE | TUAKAU PUKEKOHE 68 King St, PO Box 147, Pukekohe | bus. 09 238 7019 | fax. 09 238 7018 | www.barfoot.co.nz/pukekohe Oktoberfest

september ■ FESTIVALS

■ HOME & GARDEN

Franklin bride of the year 2016 September 9, PIA Event Centre, 57 Ward Street, Pukekohe Sewn up so fine, here come the Franklin brides! During a night of fun, some of our region’s most marvellous missuses will prove that wedding dresses can be recycled. And, as this is an event fit for all the family, there will even be room for a groom or two too! For more information, see pukekohe.org.nz/events.

2016 orchid and Flower show September 22-25, 10am-4pm, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, Epsom Despite what ‘Bill’ said, a rose by any other name just isn’t a rose. It could be an orchid, it’s not clear, but what’s plain as the rose in our gardens is that the 2016 Orchid and Flower Show is expected to be a must-see for lovers of flora. For more information, see orchidplusflowershow.co.nz.

oktoberfest auckland September 16, 6pm-midnight, Queens Wharf, Auckland City Have a drink, a drink a drink for Lilly the Pink, this September during an event billed as New Zealand’s ‘biggest Lederhosen party’! With a fine old ‘stein’ expected for all, this oompah and polka (tune) dotted evening – sponsored

by BMW – is liable to offer Germanengineered fun at its best. However, while your trusty BMW may take you all the way to the city, best leave it there for the night at least! Complete with food and a feast of entertainment, Oktoberfest is expected to leave visitors replete with memories to last a lifetime... or a few hours! More information at oktoberfestnz.co.nz.

Franklin Home & lifestyle Expo September 24-25, 9.30am-5pm & 9.30am-4pm, PIA (Pukekohe Indian Association) Event Centre, 57 Ward Street, Pukekohe Experience how Frankliners live at this all new expo ideal for anyone looking to build, renovate, landscape, decorate or simply furnish their homes. For more information, see pages 26-29 and visit franklinexpo.co.nz.

Waikato Horticultural society – hemp growing September 22, from 7.30pm, Wintec classroom (access from Gate 2), Hamilton Gardens, Cobham Drive, Hamilton ‘Reefer madness’ may have stirred up some bad (and often unfounded) press about hemp, but this plant has been part of human culture for more than 10,000 years. During this talk, hemp farmer, Dave Jordan (Dave is here, man!) will share his enthusiasm for growing this most useful plant and its widespread applications.

Products made with organic hemp seed oil will be available for purchase. Visit hamiltongardens.co.nz/events for details and, to read more about growing hemp, see Rural Living’s April-May 2016 issue at ruralliving.co.nz.

■HEALTH & WELLBEING the Wellness Event September 13, from 6.45pm, Grahams Community Hall, 31 West St, Pukekohe Well, well, well? Even those who are as fit as the proverbial fiddle could benefit from the wise words of speaker, Dr Helen Smith from Auckland Holistic Centre. With proceeds (entry by gold

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coin donation at the door) set to assist the good work of Franklin Breast Cancer Support Group, this event with a variety of displays is designed to help local men and women live enjoyable, healthy lives.

■ THEATRE & DANCE rNzb presents giselle August 31 – September 3, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland City, and September 6, Founders Theatre, 221 Tristram Street, Hamilton Courted and captivated by a mysterious stranger, Giselle soon becomes broken hearted when she discovers he is betrothed to another. As this tragic, yet enthralling, story develops, forgiveness and redemption could yet play a part. If romance is, indeed, a dance, then who better to present this tale than the Royal New Zealand Ballet? See rnzb.org.nz/ shows for details including show times.

When irish Eyes are smiling September 22, from 11am, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura Those who’d attempt to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in September must be mad, and at least one of them clearly is! When mad Marian fiddles, Hawkins Theatre will come alive with Irish dancing, Irish jokes and sing-alongs during this toetapping event. For more information, see daytimeconcerts.co.nz.

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Community Calendar TUAKAU 22 George St, Tuakau | bus. 09 237 8310 | fax. 09 237 8331 | www.barfoot.co.nz/tuakau

dancewell studios black tie ball September 24, 6-10pm, Tuakau Memorial Hall, Hamm Street, Tuakau Locals are invited to be led (or lead) a merry dance as Dancewell presents its annual Black Tie Ball. While suitable for dancers of all ages and levels of ability, (as its name suggests) this event requires a strict dress code – gumboots may be functional footwear on the farm but they’re not up to scratch when cutting a rug! See dancewell.co.nz for details.

805 Great North Road, Western Springs Rather than driving dad crazy this Father’s Day, how about taking the ‘old man’ for a trip down memory lane instead?

Featuring a wide range of vehicles from Auckland car clubs, Wild Wheels is custom-made for any motor-mad dad.

And, if that’s not quite his speed, the following Saturday, MOTAT is in gear again as the North Island Model A Ford Club rolls out west. For details about both these events, see motat.org.nz.

■ SPORT, FITNESS & MOTORING

thai Night September 16, 5.30-10.30pm, Alexandra Park Raceway, Greenlane Road West, Epsom While those who are up for Thai and harnesses are sure to enjoy this event, people who enjoy being tied up with harnesses might just be disappointed! A feast of Thai cuisine and harness racing is on the cards at Alexandra Park. Details via alexandrapark.co.nz.

tearfund Poverty cycle August 27, from Ardmore Airport, 511 Harvard Lane, Ardmore As competitors line up to do a good turn (or thousands!) for charity, locals are invited to cheer them along. Designed to help fight human trafficking, this cycle relay winds its way along a 24km circuit from Ardmore Airport to Clevedon, Brookby and back. To enter (as a team or individual), make a donation, or sponsor a rider, see povertycycle.org.nz.

■ MARKETS Pukekohe market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm, Massey Street, Pukekohe Pokeno market Every Sunday, 8am-2pm, main street, Pokeno crafty cows market – Pokeno Second Sunday of each month, 10am-1pm, Pokeno Town Hall

lindauer ladies’ day races & Nz spinal trust charitable raceday August 31 and September 18, Pukekohe Park, 222 -250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Forget ‘you had me at hello’, this event had us at ‘Lindauer’! During a day specifically designed for ladies who love to lunch (and watch a little racing now and then too!), the best dressed will be stepping up to receive their prizes. From bubbles on arrival, to entertainment both on and off course, the Lindauer Ladies Lunch receives three (or more) cheers from us! And don’t forget, the NZ Spinal Trust Charitable Raceday on September 18, providing lunch and a day’s racing all in a good cause. For details about both events, see countiesracing.co.nz.

Wild Wheels and model a Ford day September 4 & 10, 10am-4pm, MOTAT,

Pukekohe raceway kids obstacle duathlon September 20, 10am-1pm, Pukekohe Park Raceway, 222-250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Here’s one event for which Jamie certainly won’t Whin(a)cup! Instead, the V8 Supercar superstar will have to hit the pits should he wish to watch as roughly 600 kids take to the track. Comprising cycling and an obstacle course, this event will see Year 4-8 students compete to be first across the line. Entries close September 13 and places for competitors are limited. See bsgevents.co.nz for details.

awhitu country market Last Sunday monthly or long weekend Sunday, 10am-2pm, Matakawau Hall, Awhitu Road, Awhitu Peninsula clevedon village market Every Sunday, 9am-2pm, Clevedon Community Centre, 1 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Clevedon clevedon Farmers market Every Sunday, 8.30am-1pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Road, Clevedon alfriston country market First Saturday of each month except January, 9am-12pm, Alfriston Community Hall, Mill Road, Alfriston

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From the editor...

d AT HOME WITH JAMES: On paddock or football field, it pays to stay on the ball.

While Murray Ball invented rugby-loving farmer, Wal Footroot, James Foote is the real McCoy. Pictured on our cover with his children (Cooper and Emerson, and their calf club lambs), James is set to appear on Country TV this month. See pages 38-39 to read about this former provincial rugby player, proud dad and Karaka farmer, who explains why NZ’s rural grassroots are well suited to producing rugby talent.

Photo Wayne Martin

A PUBLICATION OF TIMES HOUSE PUBLISHING LTD

Freephone: 0800 456 789 www.ruralliving.co.nz info@ruralliving.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036 Email: editor@ruralliving.co.nz

Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 Email: kate@ruralliving.co.nz Bev Drake DDI 09 271 8092 Email: @ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071 Email: clare@ruralliving.co.nz Publisher: Brian Neben Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road, Auckland PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Ph: 09 271 8080, Fax: 09 271 8099 DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Rural Living do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times House Publishing Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

are I say spring is here? After the cold snap came a few gorgeous days with ‘daffys’ springing up here and there plus magnificent magnolias making a show around the district.

While I despaired of spring ever arriving (and I’m not at all confident she is here to stay) it’s been lovely to see new life emerge. What’s more, the prospect of daylight saving returning at the end of September, has given me a real boost as has seeing the floor poured on our new Pukekohe home. I thought we might be in around Christmas but it seems no guarantees until the end of February. I nearly cried.

But thank goodness for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games which cheered me no end.

Like others, I kept close watch of the small screen. How good was that to see former Pukekohe High School student, and world champion rower, Eric Murray and his on the water partner, Hamish Bond, win their second Olympic gold medal?

I caught local weightlifter, Richie Patterson being philosophical about his 6th placing in Group B of the 85 kg class but, as one of only two Kiwi weightlifters to make three Olympic Games, he can be proud of his achievements.

Yes, there were some great highs – gold to our 49er class sailors, gold and bronze to the amazing Lisa Carrington and gold to Mahe Drysdale – plus some real lows too. I’m sure many felt for Sir Mark Todd who had a disastrous first round of the three-day event show jumping which killed all hopes of a team or individual medal. To then see him go clear next round made this loss hard to bear.

And, we were all so confident Val had gold in the bag then out of nowhere American, Michelle Carter, denied her a third Olympic gold and a chance to make history.

But you know what? I think Val can go again... that is, if there is a shot put event in 2020! There is some doubt which is such a shame as the women’s shot put has been part of the Olympics since 1948 and the men’s some 50 years before that! I’m really hoping the event and Val will be back in four years time along with others who are still looking so strong, even Sir Mark.

Naturally, congratulations go in many other silver and bronze directions – a record medal haul for New Zealand! Our athletes deserve to be applauded...loudly!

What’s more, I can’t help but feel we are all just a little bit nicer to each other at times like this. Our Kiwi pride seems to swell and there is that feeling of joie de vivre every time a medallist steps on to the podium or the national anthem is played. And I’m all for a bit more national pride and coming together as a nation. Call me soft, but I love it.

Well, Just when I thought I’d done a good job of cheering myself up I heard the sad news of last week’s fire in The Arcade in King Street but fortunately no one was in the building. Well done to the fire service for their quick action in limiting the fire which could have spread to other attached buildings. It certainly made me look more positively at our own building project – just feeling lucky we can build a new home and life is good! Anyway, who was it that said ‘slow but sure wins the race’? In this case, a good philosophy, perhaps.

Until next month

Helen Perry, Editor

inside PAGE 32 Reay’s diary – musings from a city lass

PAGE 2-3 Community calendar sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson Pukekohe

PAGE 33 Win great prizes!

PAGE 6-7 Trains, planes, automobiles and a whole lot more!

PAGE 8 Brian’s Diary PAGE 16-17 Over The Gate – with awardwinning realtor Phil Axtens PAGE 19 Introducing ‘Saint Shaun’ of Ardmore

4 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

Will Smeed cloaked in mana – see page 30-31

PAGE 34-35 Girl meets handbag - needle and thread Kristina’s handy helpmates

PAGE 20-21 Marks-man goes bush

PAGE 41 Kids books up for grabs

PAGE 26-29 Be inspired – the Franklin Home & Lifestyle Show is coming to town.

PAGE 46-48 Death with dignity PAGE 51 SUVs top of the pops www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 5

Rex – king of collectors A collector is someone who collects objects because they are beautiful, valuable, or interesting. Most collections are modest and easily accommodated in the home. But one of Franklin’s biggest collectors has had to build his own private museum to display his obsession. ANGELA KEMP reports.

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n a shelf in the kitchen sits my growing collection of NZ-made ceramics, much of it blue and white with some sugar almond-coloured Crown Lynn cups amongst it. Even though I am quite specific about what I collect, the pottery is proliferating and I may soon have to add another shelf to display my treasures.

However my small cache pales into insignificance compared to the cornucopia of small and large objects amassed by Rex Benns over a lifetime of collecting.

The amazing agglomeration is housed in two large, purpose-built sheds fulfilling a long held dream of his to create family museum to display his treasures in one location. From vintage motors to the tiny handmade bonnet worn by his greatgrandmother, each item has a tale to tell and many have family connections.

Rex caught the collecting bug in the 1950s when growing up on the family farm at Mangere (now the site of Auckland Airport’s domestic departures lounge).

“A neighbour used to drive past in a 1929 Austin 7 on her way to milk the cows and she would pick me up and drop me off at school. I bought it from her in 1965 for the equivalent of $100. By then I was an apprentice Austin car mechanic and it was my first car.”

6 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

The Austin has pride of place in the museum but Rex says his heart belongs to a shiny red MGA 1961 roadster which resides in the other shed along with a 1974 MGB GT, a 1955 Austin A50 in its original turquoise livery and a 1953 Farmall Cub tractor.

All are beautifully restored, even their engines are polished, and it’s this attention to detail that makes every item in Rex’s collection museum quality.

Be they outboard motors from 1914, early lawnmowers from 1924 or sewing machines, gramophones, mopeds or bikes, they are all displayed with flair and finesse.

Rex attributes his love of collecting to his late mother, Norma, who passed away six years ago, aged 88.

“She never threw anything away and loved helping out in the museum. Many of the items came from our family home including a little wooden rocking horse I used to play on.”

Other personal vintage pieces include Rex’s first bicycle, his father’s electric train set and his grandmother’s corsets and fur stoles. He even has his old (but perfectly preserved) wooden water skis last used in 1972. His son’s chopper bike from 1974 is in the collection as is the wooden cot in which his wife was swaddled and his own knitted baby bonnet.

Either hanging from the walls or rafters, in display cases or grouped on the floor, the artefacts are multifarious and represent not only Rex’s passion for all things mechanical but his love of antiques and commercial ephemera.

“I have lived my life as a collector and when I worked as a salesman I came across many things that people wanted to get rid of because they were old and not working.

“I also hear about a lot of things through word of mouth and from people who know about my collection. Just the other day a shopkeeper in Pukekohe gave me his childhood train set in its original box.

“A lot of things come from people moving into retirement villages. Others, I’ve bought on Trademe but I only buy quality items.

“Since my own retirement 10 years ago I have made the museum my fulltime objective and it takes up a lot of my time – day and night! You could say I’m a fanatical purist because whatever I get I make sure I clean and restore it straight away.”

His toy collection includes numerous Busy Bee wooden toys from the 1940s ranging from the original pull along to model cars, toy pedal cars and a rare Triang tractor bike from 1952.

A veritable squadron of large radio www.ruralliving.co.nz

Trains, planes and automobiles plus and eclectic range of other fascinating collectables filll Rex’s museum. Photos Wayne Martin

controlled airplanes, suspended overhead, draws the eye towards the star of the flight – a magnificent third scale Tiger Moth which soars above a display of packaged model plane kitsets.

Rex’s aeroplane memorabilia includes his own fleet of tin airliners some of which light up and sound just like a real jet – toys of dreams!

Nostalgia is in every corner: delicate china tea sets, a 1950s three-cup milkshake machine from a milk bar, novelty coke bottles, some shaped like phones, others turned into radios and on it goes.

The collection has been viewed by only a few select groups including scouts and girl guide groups. It’s also been open as a fundraiser for Franklin Hospice and Drury School. However, Rex prefers to keep its existence low key and visits are by invitation only.

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 7

tOugh mOnth frOm WillOWbrOOk Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and is also an avid lifestyle farmer

COUNTRY LAD

i

write this month’s column with a touch of sadness. My lovely brood mare, Willowbrook lost her baby three weeks ago.

When I went out with her morning feed she was lying on the ground but when she saw me, she managed to get to her feet and go to her bowl.

She had just one mouthful of her brood mare mix then lay down again. She had never lain down in that way before so I knew something was very wrong.

An immediate call to our vet met with a quick response and within 15 minutes Kevin Meirs had arrived.

After a quick inspection Kevin said the baby had died, probably overnight, and needed to be aborted.

He then sent for his assistant, Shaun Campbell and they set about performing this terrible task. My job was to hold Willow’s head and I felt the pain she was experiencing. Even though sedated with pain killers, her groans were just awful.

The baby was a colt by A Rocknroll Dance and had a big white star on his forehead. Like most breeders I just knew he would have been a champion. I have only ever had one brood mare at a time and this kind of situation is pretty upsetting and does set you back.

However, Kevin carried out an inspection a few days ago and said she would be fine to go straight back into foal so here’s hoping for a good result next

Willowbrook with filly, Willshewin who sold for $8000 at the sales but is looking like a winner.

time. Breeding certainly has its ups and downs!

My filly, Willshewin – named by one of our readers – was put in the sales earlier this year. At the time we were expecting a fairly good response – by that I mean dollar-wise – due to some pre-sales observations in Harness Link. They called her their ‘sleeper’ – Lot 101 is Willshewin, a filly by Auckland Reactor from the three in, in the pocket mare, Willowbrook.

The writer was quite taken by Wiillshewin’s photographs and thought she was a lovely filly.

They came to the conclusion that Willshewin had a lot more to offer than appeared at first glance.

Unfortunately, she made only $8000 when purchased by South Island trainer Paul Kerr, who then said in last month’s Alabar News that he was ‘rapt with Willshewin’.

He said she was strong, good sized and had broken in really well – “she is also a beautiful pacer and I am confidant she could made a great two year old!”

Better luck for me next year!

Go the ABs.

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 9

Get off the grass!

Comical anecdotes, cute photographs and other bits and bobs sent in by our readers. Keep sending us your briefs, trivia and photos of country life – email to info@ruralliving.co.nz.

god help us!

We all know that out of the mouths of babes come some very funny ideas on life.

Recently seven-year-old announced he knew how babies were born.

Intrigued mum couldn’t resist asking – “oh, yes, and how is that?”

Seven year old: “God just drops a hairball into the mother’s mouth while she is asleep; she swallows it while she is snoring and overnight it turns into a baby. She goes to the doctor the next day and he gets the baby out.”

Before dumbstruck mum could say a word, four-year-old piped up: “Mum, he’s got it sooo wrong.

You just write a letter to God saying ‘can I have a baby’ then tie it to a kite and fly it it up to heaven.”

Mum says she can see a birds and bees talk coming soon!

Mr T and the woman W e pity the fool who welcomes a strange kitty into their house!

In this instance, said ‘fool’ is a reader whose neighbour’s cat (nicknamed Mr T) has made itself at home in her Pukekohe dwelling.

While, apparently, her own three cats have more or less accepted the interloper – who never wipes his feet on the mat when passing through the cat flap – our reader is not entirely A(team)OK with the presence of this presumptuous feline.

You see, Mr T has taken to preparing a bed each night by dragging clothing down from a clothes airier, resulting in damp, fur-enshrouded garments being worn to work most days.

Asked if she has tried anything to deter her regular trespasser, our cat lady simply replies: “No way! I couldn’t! He’s a poor old sausage and just too darn cute!”

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It’s Brown down our way...

A

opportunity to speak and lecture on that subject internationally,” he says. “There is a growing international cities forum made up of civic leaders who have overseen significant change, as I have. I find it satisfying [that] you may leave the job, but it doesn’t mean the job leaves you!”

In the meantime, Mr Brown believes a sense of humour will be critical to whoever takes the reins (and chains) of the mayoral office.

“The new mayor will need to relax in the job and keep as calm as they can. They will be dealing with 1.6 million Aucklanders, all with various points of view and matters of concern about their communities.

“It’s a hugely challenging job. No amount of preparation can really fit you for the sense of energy, hope and expectations that arrive on your desk the first day.”

uckland’s loss could be Karaka’s gain, as the Super City’s outgoing mayor looks forward to greener pastures. Len Brown says he and his wife, Shan, will take up residence in a new build in Karaka soon after another candidate claims his chains.

“Why Karaka? Because I’m still a South Auckland boy! My family and friends are still around and I feel most at ease in South Auckland,” Mr Brown explains. “It will be a change in my life in many ways.”

As king of his new Karaka ‘castle’ Len will ‘lay down’ the law one last time.

The former lawyer says, while he won’t return to this prior profession, he will busy himself with consultancy work.

“I loved [law] but I’m now looking to do more general work. Auckland does well, having won awards for governance and physical transformation. There will be an

A fine swine to serve

Wild Wilsons ride again Wild horses are unlikely to drag fans away from Equidays, but they’re almost certain to pack them in!

During the event, the Wilson Sisters will showcase three breeds from New Zealand, Australia and the USA: Kaimanawas, Brumbies and even a Mustang, Kelly Wilson confirms.

“Over the past four years we‘ve trained more than 40 wild horses, across three countries, and have learnt so much from them.

“These beautiful, wild horses have been our greatest teachers and we are excited to share them with everyone at www.ruralliving.co.nz

Equidays,” she says.

“It’s a phenomenal opportunity to educate and empower people about the plight of wild horses worldwide, as well as entertaining the public.”

Kelly and her sisters (Vicki and Amanda) will deliver demonstrations and clinics as well as performing in the Saturday Nightshow – Horseplay & Hijinks.

Billed as New Zealand’s Premier Equine Event, Equidays (October 14-16) will be held at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek Event Centre. See equidays. co.nz for details.

The pick of the pork was the toast of the town recently during the 2016 100% New Zealand Pork, Bacon & Ham Competitions.

While top honours were secured

by Coromandel, Akaroa and Dunedin butchers, Franklin’s own Pokeno Bacon claimed silver and bronze awards (respectively) for their honey cured manuka smoked streaky and middle bacon.

NZPork Chair, Ian Carter, says the competitions celebrate NZ’s finest home-grown pork products.

“As a farmer myself, seeing and tasting the exceptional small goods entered into the competition each year really highlights the wonderful story of New Zealand’s pork industry.”

The supreme award winners are: ◆◆Best 100% New Zealand Pork: Agora Butchery and Deli (Dunedin) ◆◆Best 100% New Zealand Bacon: Thames Valley Bacon (Coromandel), Bushman’s Shoulder Bacon. ◆◆Best 100% New Zealand Ham: Akaroa Butchery and Deli (Banks Peninsula), Manuka Honey Cured Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 11

Rabbits take the bait!

Under the Regional Pest Management Strategy, wild rabbits are a declared pest in the Auckland region. Highly adaptive, they can be found in diverse environments ranging from urban recreational parks and reserves to open grassland areas, coastal dunes and rural areas. New Zealand Biosecurity Services Ltd (NZBSL) is tackling the challenges of reducing wild rabbit numbers below damaging thresholds.

I

t could well be a case of run rabbit, run when New Zealand Biosecurity Services Ltd (NZBSL) comes calling at reserves and parks across rural and urban areas.

A specialist provider of pest plant and pest animal control services throughout New Zealand, NZBSL has refined the design and implementation of rabbit control programmes used across the Auckland region, particularly within urban and environmentally sensitive locations.

Operations manager Brent Hazeldine says within many urban areas, the traditional application and use of poison baits, poses a clearly unacceptable risk to members of the public, wildlife, and domestic non-target animals such as dogs.

“In these instances, working closely with Auckland Council, NZBSL have achieved significant success with the use of bait stations, and strictly controlled shooting operations.”

NZBSL uses its own purpose-designed rabbit bait station, which Brent says has been trialled and refined over the years.

“Supported by many hours of field-based video footage, the station has been demonstrated to effectively and securely contain the bait, minimise risk of bait exposure to non-target species, and successfully attract rabbits to consume the bait over extended periods of time.”

With NZBSL regularly monitoring

Above: One of the bait stations used by NZBSL. Left: More than 280 rabbits shot within an Auckland urban reserve over three and a half hours in one night by a NZBSL team member.

ongoing bait take from each station, the design allows for easy relocation within the control area to align with changing rabbit populations, and importantly feeding locations to ensure maximum and ongoing effectiveness for control.

“Where rabbit numbers are high, we have also had considerable success using controlled shooting operations with hundreds of rabbits removed from an area within very short periods of time,” says Brent. “To achieve the sustained and effective control of rabbits within urban regions, control programmes

must be strategic, and utilise wellplanned and well-timed methods.

They also need to take account of the particular environment, the existing rabbit population, and the needs of the client.”

Rabbit control operations which use bait stations, shooting, fumigation, and placement of poison over broad areas are examples of tools and technique’s employed by NZBSL to effectively manage and control rabbit populations.

A summary of footage captured of rabbits feeding with stations can be viewed at https://youtu.be/CFz16NGfEDg

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12 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

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Hort’ stars sought O

ften enough, students survive on beer and two-minute noodles, but that need not be the case for those set on careers in one certain ‘field.’

To help meet industry demand for budding young talent, primary sector industry training organisation, Primary ITO, is offering 50% off its Horticulture Apprenticeships (first year fees) under the ‘Let’s Grow’ initiative.

“We’re proud to launch Let’s Grow, focused on training the next generation of superstars in the viticulture, fruit and vegetable production industries,” says Mark Jeffries from Primary ITO. “Let’s Grow actively promotes a range of our high quality and relevant horticulture programmes, including General Skills, Effective Supervision and Horticulture Apprenticeships.”

Mike Chapman (chief executive of Horticulture New Zealand) welcomes the initiative. He says, as horticulture

processes develop to stay in step with new technology and regulations, fresh blood is a must.

“New Zealand horticulture is enjoying quite a boom at the moment and we’re on a roll. The question is: how do we stay there? A vital element moving

forward is ongoing upskilling through the education and training of the staff within horticulture,” he says. “People are the lifeblood of the industry, and consistent training programmes are a must.” ◆◆See letsgrow.co.nz for more information.

Humble pies take the cash

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Rushgreen Bakery & Cafe also received a highly commended award for its Carrot, Peas and Corn pie in the Vegetarian section.

A humble bacon and egg creation from Tauranga (Patrick’s Pie Group Gold Star Bakery) was named Supreme Winner, with a meat and one ‘veg’ offering (steak and mushroom from Pak ‘n Save, Petone) claiming gold in the Gourmet Meat category.

More exotic offerings were also

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Blueberry, Spiced Apple & Apricot from Dairy Flat Bakery, Albany, and Smoked Warehou & Tarakihi from Ginger Dynamite, Motueka claimed gold in the Gourmet Fruit and Cafe Boutique sections.

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Pukekohe’s Counties Bakery claimed gold for its Steak (Diced) and Gravy creation, while Fresh Bun Cafe in Tuakau was awarded silver in the same category, and was highly commended for its Chicken & Vegetable. Papakura’s

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 13

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Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring micro-organisms.

These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family.

Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work.

This is why you introduce SeptiCure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency.

A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years.

He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well SeptiCure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition.

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14 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

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Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them.

Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.

A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard.

When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur. These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty.

At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children.

There are only three remedies.

One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it. This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months.

Septi-Cure is cost effective.

By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down the toilet bowl every six months. This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs. Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system

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NEW Health Hub – what the doctor ordered

Mini superclinic just the medicine

Pukekohe is to get its own ‘mini’ superclinic to cater for the medical needs of its growing population. As ANGELA KEMP reports, it signals a new era of health care for Franklin.

I

f your blood pressure has been raised by reports of a chronic shortage of GPs serving small towns in New Zealand you’ll be pleased to hear that’s not the case in our hood.

In Franklin there are currently eight GP practices, five of which are in Pukekohe.

Two of these have opened within the past two years. In addition, there is one practice providing services to one of the rest homes in Pukekohe, one additional branch surgery in Pukekohe and several Maraebased clinics across the Franklin region.

And, now a mini superclinic will bring a fresh injection of health services.

Dr Mark Eustace of Waiuku Health Centre is responsible for keeping Counties Manukau Health Board up to date with GP services across the district and its main centres of Pukekohe, Tuakau and Waiuku.

“To my knowledge all the practices have capacity to take on new patients and I am aware of two GP service providers considering opening practices in the rapidly growing Pokeno development.

“I don’t see any likelihood of a shortage of GP services in the foreseeable future and from experience it is likely new service providers will appear as the need arises.”

Dr Eustace is also involved with planning for the new Franklin Health Hub (see panel story) which will provide additional community-based health services, outpatient and other hospital-based services from the Pukekohe Hospital site.

“The Hub will be a great bonus for the people of Franklin as they will be able to access many services closer to home, which they currently have to travel to www.ruralliving.co.nz

Manukau Super Clinic or Middlemore Hospital to receive,” he says.

“These are exciting times for the local population and those who work as health providers both in primary and secondary care. We will see a gradual increase in collaboration between hospital and community health providers to better serve the needs of the Franklin people.”

Dr Eustace adds there could be opportunities for GP practices to be involved in the provision of some of these services within their own practices. Other GPs and other practice staff could be upskilled to provide these services either within their practices or at the Hub. Kathryn de Luc, of Counties Manukau DHB, confirmed the projected increase in population in Franklin would be matched by an increase in primary care provision.

“Planning for long term developments of turning Pukekohe Hospital into a Health Hub have started as it is important to do this planning now to ensure that the right services are in the right place as the population grows over the next 20 years.

“Community integration is a core component of Counties Manukau Health’s ‘Healthy Together’ strategy and goal of working with others across the healthcare system. It aims to deliver services closer to where patients live and work.

“The DHB is committed to investing in primary and community care to reduce demand across the system and provide a better patient experience.”

It is expected that the planning for the Franklin Health Hub will be completed during 2016/17.

A new Franklin Health Hub will improve healthcare provision in the district by centring health needs and services round population needs.

These will include: ◆◆ Delivering more services closer to home ◆◆ Enabling closer integration between specialist services, GP services, social service providers and community health team ◆◆ Improving service quality across whole of system ◆◆ Decongesting and reducing demand on hospital services ◆◆ Working with GP practices developing the services delivered in primary care Plans for the Hub are still in the early stages and details of the services it will offer have yet to be clarified.

However, the DHB expects to provide services that complement and add value to general practice teams.

It will also provide a neutral space to support a range of clinicians delivering services that are not economic or practical to be delivered in primary care.

New technology will be used to link GP practices, the Health Hub and Middlemore Hospital together with improved communications.

Franklin’s medical needs well met The Auckland Unitary Plan has identified Pukekohe as a priority satellite town for major population and employment growth. With the developments, the population of Pukekohe and surrounds is expected to double in size over the next 30 years.

In the Franklin locality there are a wide range of medical facilities which include: ◆◆ Eight general practices ranging in size from a few hundred to over 20,000 enrolled patients ◆◆Eleven pharmacies ◆◆ Five aged residential care facilities plus two Counties Manukau Health facilities ◆◆Primary birthing unit ◆◆ Accident and medical open 8 am9pm, seven-days per week ◆◆Radiology ◆◆Hospice ◆◆ Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) health and social care providers.

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 15

Brought to you by 12 Wrightson Way, Pukekohe Phone 09 238 5559

Over

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Phil Axtens

winning estate agent

While many locals might have an axe to grind with the Auckland Council following the recent release of the Unitary Plan, one man of the land is committed to ensuring Franklin newcomers will be able to make themselves at home. This month, Rural Living spoke with award-winning real estate specialist (and local lifestyler), Phil Axtens.

Salesperson (Income Earned) Award.

Similarly, to what do you owe your own success?

Harveys Papakura (Southern Suburbs Realty) won three major honours at the recent LJ Hooker/Harveys Annual Real Estate Awards. What would you say was the secret to the team’s success?

My success came from focus, determination and extremely hard work with one clear goal of being the No.1 salesperson in NZ for the LJ Hooker and Harveys Real Estate group for the past calendar year. This entailed seeking out every possible listing opportunity and adjusting my business by, predominantly, utilising the auction selling process to suit

The secret to the team’s success is all down to working together on a collaborative basis whilst individually striving to deliver excellence in our different roles.

You claimed the supreme individual Top

the overheated 2015 property market.

To what degree has the current market contributed to your success of late?

The very buoyant Auckland property market has made an overwhelming positive difference to my success and I maintained the mindset of ‘making hay while the sun shines’.

Do you sell many lifestyle blocks in Franklin these days or, with the

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increasing urbanisation of the area, are supplies of such properties dwindling?

My core business is selling residential properties in the Papakura area. With the ever increasing urbanisation and development in Franklin, lifestyle blocks will definitely be more difficult to acquire in future. With further zone changes, this style of property will be located out even further into deeper rural areas.

You come from a farming background.

Where exactly, and why did you not follow in your father’s gumboots and instead turn to real estate as a profession?

I was raised on a dairy farm originally off Paparata Road on what is now Axtens Road. The farm was approximately 280 acres with a 14 aside Herring Bone milking shed. The dairy herd was mainly Friesen; however my father later diversified into a small deer farming operation in the mid 1980s by converting approximately 25 acres off the main farm.

I worked for my father shortly after school on his Mangatangi dairy farm in the early 1990s for a season. However, as a car-crazy teenager (often enough crashing them!), I ended up completing an apprenticeship panel beating for Brian Roberts in Pukekohe before (eventually) moving into real estate.

You now live on a lifestyle block. How many acres and what do you grow/raise?

I purchased a 2.5 acre lifestyle block off Ponga Road in 2014. The previous owners had established the land extensively www.ruralliving.co.nz

from (more or less) a blank canvas a few years earlier. Their hard work resulted in gorgeous rolling grounds complete with an orchard and a diverse range of plantings, both native and exotic.

There are no fenced-off paddocks to raise animals, and because of my busy real estate lifestyle, it makes it difficult at this stage to raise animals or plant further. This may change in future, however.

As a man of (and from) the land, does the urbanisation of Franklin sadden you?

One word: ‘progress’. With the gentle, rolling topography of the greater Auckland area, historically low interest rates and new record immigration levels, the urbanisation of Franklin was always going to happen, so I guess it is just par for the course.

However it is sad, in a way, to see all those original farms disappear.

When not selling houses, you’re often found biking (on road and off) and running marathons, correct? What other sporting pursuits are you involved in?

Yes. I enjoy my mountain biking and road cycling, about which I’m getting more serious. My marathon running has stopped in recent years due to knee injuries. I do plan to run half marathons again, though, towards the end of the year. During the summer months I’m involved in Papakura Business House tennis, which has a fun and relaxed atmosphere and provides a great way of networking.

Would you credit your rural roots with developing your interest in sport? Are

Kiwi country kids more active?

My rural upbringing included playing for the Paparimu Tennis Club, riding my BMX around the farm, competitive motor cross and running on our rural roads, so it definitely fuelled my sporting interests. I definitely believe country kids keep more active especially during the daylight savings months. Personally, being raised on a farm was the perfect upbringing. I even had mates from town who would come out and stay and never want to go back to town!

If you could grow any plant or raise any animal (real or imagined) what and why?

Without a doubt, planting several avocado trees is on my ‘to do’ list, for sure!

If you could be Minister of Housing for one day, what would you do first?

I would put a firm policy in place around affordable new housing focusing on first home buyers. Clearly, it’s a concern the way they are being squeezed out of the Auckland housing market.

If you could invite any three people (living or dead) to dinner, who and why?

Billy T James, for his contribution to Kiwi comedy – he still rates as one of New Zealand’s greatest comedians ever. Dawn French, for her classic comedy ways and ability to keep audiences entertained. And, Richard Branson. Because of the incredible success he became from building his business empire, I’m sure he’d be most interesting to talk to.

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 17

Hansen’s on the ball!

T

he year was 2004, a Hansen salesperson was standing on a Southland farm talking with a burly Southland farmer about the Hansen range of pipe fittings. The farmer asked, “when are you blokes going to make a bloody good tap out of the tough plastic you use in your fittings?”

That set the wheels in motion for the Hansen team to build a ‘bloody good tap!’ It had to be easy to install, perform fantastically, and most importantly, “not leak!”

The key features the R&D team worked on to ensure Hansen not only met, but exceeded farmers expectations, were unrestricted full flow, ability to withstand a negative 15 degrees Southland frost, operate effortlessly at low and high pressures and lastly be manufactured out of the same tough plastic as the poly pipe fittings.

Two years later, the Full Flow Ball Valve was ready to be released. It was decided then that Hansen would put them through

from Glass Fibre Reinforced Nylon, an engineering grade plastic, recognised as one of the best materials in the world from which to manufacture fittings and valves that won’t rust, corrode or crack when subjected to frost.

The ‘frost friendly’ design is a unique feature, being able to stand up in cold climates well beyond any competitor valve Hansen’s has seen.

They are available in both female/ female and male/female threads from 15-50mm, with removable handles for security, and come with a positive ‘click’ smooth open/close action. They are also potable Water Approved (AS/NZS 4020 drinking water test standard) and come with different coloured handles for different applications.

Every Hansen Ball Valve has a Lifetime Warranty, so in the unlikely event that you experience any difficulties, please phone a Hansen Water System Specialist on 0800 H20 FIX (426 349) and they will offer assistance.

Hansen Ball Valve being used on a farm.

rigorous quality control before they left the factory.

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18 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

Proudly Kiwi Owned and Operated Since 1958 www.ruralliving.co.nz

Life with Dexters All Smiles Small but perfectly formed sums up Dexters, one of the world’s smallest true breeds of cattle. They are ideal for lifestylers and with good handling you can even take them to church – no bull! ANGELA KEMP reports.

S

haun the Dexter bull has gained something of a celebrity status thanks to his sweet nature and love of people.

He’s taken part in the SPCA Auckland ‘Great Animal Walk’, being ridden along Queen Street, before joining the Blessing of the Animals service at St Matthews-inthe-City church on several occasions.

Supreme Champion bull Pohutukawa Shaun is owned by Robyn Snelgar, secretary of the Dexter Cattle Society of NZ. She says he’s just celebrated his 15th birthday and is still doing the business with his latest progeny born last spring.

“He’s got a lovely personality and is so placid even with his horns. He’s a favourite with our grandchildren and is happy to let them ride him.”

Shaun is part of a 30-strong Dexter herd on Robyn and husband Steve’s 32-acre Pohutakawa Farm at Ardmore where they’ve kept the breed for the past 18 years.

“We first became interested in Dexters in 1999 when I read an article in a magazine about them. At the time we had Angus and a few others of larger breeds,” Robyn says.

“We have quite a bit of hill country so the Dexters were ideal for this.

“Once we had a herd of only Dexters we really noticed how much less pasture damage there was over the winter months.

They are easy to manage so I can do a lot of the work with them without needing Steve to help me.”

Small and solidly built, Dexters descend from an ancient Celtic breed known to have been in Ireland 5000 years ago.

They were first imported in 1904 but did not do so well back then, It wasn’t until 1979 when semen was imported that a group of Dexter cattle breeders launched what was the start of the Dexter Cattle Society in NZ. In 1988 the first New Zealand pure bred Dexter was born.

Since then the number of NZ Dexter herds has grown both through natural breeding and the importation of live animals from around the world. At the end of March 2016, the Dexter society had 285 members owning around 1578 registered animals including graded and purebred Dexters. Many people have steers which cannot be registered.

It’s easy to see why they have become such a popular breed. They have a quiet,

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Robyn Snelgar with her congenial Dexter bull, Shaun.

undemanding nature and generally require less in the way of fencing and yards than larger animals. Their diminutive size also makes them attractive to people new to rural living who haven’t had a lot of dealings with cattle.

Dexter cattle are about half the size of a traditional Hereford. Mature cows weigh 600–700 pounds (270–320 kg) and mature bulls weigh 1,000 pounds (450 kg).

They don’t just look good but taste good too being excellent producers of both milk and smaller, tasty cuts of beef.

“With more lifestyle blocks being subdivided off farm land, Dexters are the perfect small cattle breed, easy for women to manage and easy calvers,” says Robyn.

“They generally have pretty good temperaments but there’s always the

Photo Wayne Martin

exception and anyone considering Dexters, or any other breed of cattle, shouldn’t expect them to be nice and quiet if they aren’t prepared to get out into the paddock and learn to know them a bit.

“Cattle are creatures of habit so if they are left in the paddock without much human contact they will be spooked when someone ventures into their field.

“By spending a bit of time with them you become part of their herd and they get to know your voice so you will be rewarded with nice, friendly and very nosey cattle.

“My Dexters all come running when they see or hear me. I can call them by name and they start mooing when they hear my truck arrive.”

For more information about owning Dexters see www.dexter-cattle.co.nz.

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 19

Mr McLeod’s happy hunting grounds Sports and pastimes can offer ‘barrels’ of fun, but perhaps none more so than hunting. JON RAWLINSON talks to a straight shooter from Patumahoe who’s well schooled in all aspects of the great outdoors and well known around the traps.

T

hese days, putting food on the table for many a metro man involves hunting out hot bargains at Pak’nSave. However, for Tuakau College teacher, Ian McLeod, it involves packing heat of a different kind when he heads down country.

“One of my favourite things about hunting is being able to share with family and friends,” he says. “When people come over, I’ll always provide game food. Last Christmas, we had duck nuggets and venison, for example. To me, it’s just part of being a good host.”

I ask Ian if he took to hunting like a duck to water – I can’t help myself! He laughs and explains that before he could remember, he’d begged his dad (an accomplished hunter originally from the Hawkes Bay) to tag along. From age six, he understood why his father had a passion for the hunt.

“When you’re out surrounded by nature and feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and experience that intense 20 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

focus and heightened sense of awareness, it reinforces that hunting is instinctively part of who we are as humans.

“Hunting is the pinnacle of outdoor pursuits because you need navigation skills, an understanding of flora and fauna and of the animal you’re after. You have to put together a range of skills and be in the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment, to pull it off.”

Although Ian primarily hunts game birds in the Waikato and deer in the central North Island, he stops short of pursuing pork.

“It’s largely because, ethically, I don’t agree with using dogs. I’ve killed countless animals over the years but, with every single one, I’ve done so in the quickest, most humane way possible. You can’t always say the same when using dogs.”

Unlike some keen hunters, the walls of Ian’s Patumahoe home are not festooned with taxidermied critters. His trophies are limited to a significant few, such as the first pheasant he bagged with his dad. He says

his wife (Abby – his best catch!) has few rules but one is that he can’t have stuffed animals on display.

“She seems to have this vision that one day we’ll have some sort of mansion and I’ll have this red room with black leather couches where I’ll be able to put my animals on the wall. Until then, they’ll have to stay in storage!” he laughs.

“Abby knows that hunting is an important part of my life and has been out with me. When I realised that she was fine with it, that’s when I knew I was on to a keeper!”

While the thrill of the hunt is an attraction – and all the outdoor skills in the world won’t save us if we can’t catch our own dinner! – Ian is more broadly drawn by an innate call of the wild. Passing on an understanding and appreciation of which is intrinsic to his role of leading Tuakau College’s Outdoor Education programme.

“I don’t expect my students to become outdoor instructors but, when they come up against challenges later on – at uni’, www.ruralliving.co.nz

Fired up: Ian in hunting mode.

work or whenever else – they can look back and say: ‘I managed to carry my own pack for three days, cook food in the bush and sleep under a tarpaulin, so I can handle this too.’

“The outdoors provides the perfect environment to test our limits and learn how we can overcome obstacles.”

Farewell to arms?

When Ian McLeod married his bride, a shotgun wedding was not required. In fact, the opposite is true. Asking the former New Zealand representative shooter why he lay down his arms (competitively, at least), he answers simply: “Because I met a girl!”

That’s not the complete story, of course.

Ironically, a scholarship to AUT was largely responsible for Ian setting aside his Olympic shooting ambitions.

“After making the New Zealand team, I was awarded a scholarship and studied sport and recreation. Coincidentally, I met Abby [my future wife] the day before.

Shooting had been my life, but I soon became more focused on my studies,” he says.

Ian narrowly missed selection for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. He says he’s now unlikely to make a return to competition.

“They took the top two and I was number three. I was pretty disappointed. I decided to have a break and that break has now stretched to 14 years!”

“At the time, I was 22 and the shooters www.ruralliving.co.nz

Photos supplied

selected were in their 40s, so there’s still time. But I can’t see myself going back to it. The financial commitment is huge.

When I was shooting my most, it was costing around $200 a week and that really adds up.”

He adds that time away from Abby and their young daughter, Piper, further dissuades him from a return to arms, competitively speaking. However, the thrill of competition lingers.

“I miss the nerves before an event and the feeling of elation afterwards, provided all the hard work pays off. I can still go to the club and shoot targets, but it’s not the same as when you’re in those real high pressure situations.”

High pressure situations are exactly what fellow Franklin local, Michael Johnson, will face at the upcoming Paralympics (September 7-18). The Waiuku rifleman has two Paralympic bronze and one gold (as well as numerous other international medals and world records) to his credit. Ian rates Michael’s chances of adding to this tally.

The recent Olympic Games also held Ian’s attention as the Kiwi team – Natalie Rooney (women’s trap), Chloe Tipple (women’s skeet) and Ryan Taylor (50m prone smallbore) – aimed to claim medals. Although Ryan and Chloe missed out, Natalie won silver.

In July, a damning report on doping from WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) marred the games’ good name resulting in a number of Russian athletes banned from competing at the Rio games. Although

no Olympic shooters were implicated, following the 2008 Beijing games, a North Korean competitor was stripped of his medals after testing positive for a banned substance.

While Ian knows of no more recent examples, he says the sport is not completely without stigma when it comes to performance enhancing drugs.

“Beta blockers slow the heart rate down; that’s not so beneficial in shotgun shooting but in rifle and pistol events they can then shoot in between heart beats,” he explains. “In a sport where points of a millimetre can make all the difference, this can present an advantage.”

Feats of clay When shooting for the stars one must first aim for the sky. It’s an attitude which Tuakau College clay target shooting coach, Ian McLeod, is keen to instil in his team. During late September, Ian will lead his posse (aka the school’s clay target shooting team) as they gun for glory in Christchurch during the National Secondary School Clay Target Champs.

“They’re up and coming. Our team is very young compared to most of the others. Of our five person team, three (from Year 10) are only in their first year competing, but we’re tracking well,” he says.

In addition to team Tuakau, other schools from Franklin will compete, including Pukekohe High School, Waiuku and Rosehill Colleges.

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 21

Walking a safer walk Farmer, former All Black and Ravensdown shareholder, RICHARD LOE, has never been backward about coming forward, whether on the rugby field or as a commentator on farming or sports issues. Now he brings that plain-speaking to bear as ambassador for WorkSafe’s Safer Farms programme, working with farmers to tackle the number of deaths and injuries on farms. Here’s what he has to say.

I

grew up on a farm. After school and during school holidays, we’d grab a horse, without a saddle or bridle, and head off to work. I’m the first to admit that in my younger days I didn’t give much thought to health and safety, nor for that matter, in my early days of farming.”

But then three years ago, I was asked to co-present a health and safety training video for Landcorp staff. I heard from Landcorp workers about what they were doing and how they had learnt from others. It made me think, ‘I need to be walking the walk,’ After all, in 2015 alone, there were 19 deaths on New Zealand farms and thousands more injuries. This resulted in millions of dollars in ACC payouts, alongside a significant impact on farm productivity.

I took a fresh look at what I was doing at my own place – a run of the mill farm, with a Donnie Merino stud operation and some beef, overlooking the Waimakariri Gorge in Canterbury.

I’ve found out for myself that creating a hazard register and managing risk is straightforward. It doesn’t mean a lot of paperwork. You just need to be aware of the risks on your farm and communicate that to the people who need to know.

Some farmers may think the new Health and Safety in Work Act is too daunting.

I thought it would be too, but when you look at WorkSafe’s ‘Keep Safe, Keep Farming’ tool-kit, you realise that it’s just about being a good farmer.

For Ravensdown shareholders, most of it will be stuff they are already doing to meet the requirements of their meat or milk processors.

Just go through and tick off what you are doing now and if there are any areas that need brushing up on, then look it up on the Safer Farms website www. saferfarms.org.nz. Often all that’s needed is a few simple steps.

Alternatively, ask someone. We can all learn from one another. Look over your neighbours’ fences and ask them what they have on their hazard registers. Learn, too, from agricultural contractors. My hay 22 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

Richard Loe – a strong voice for Safer Farms.

baler employs 20 people and he’s up to speed on all this stuff so I learn from him.

Let’s make spreading good health and safety practice in farming a twoway street. For instance, if you have a contractor coming in to spread fertiliser, think about what they need to know – the stroppy bull in a paddock, the flooded field or ruts and ditches they should look out for.

Before tackling a job, think about the best equipment to use. You wouldn’t take a hand fork to dig the paddock, so why take a quad up a steep pasture or use it to tow heavy spraying equipment?

Check vehicle and tyre pressure before heading out and think ahead about the terrain and any hazards that change the game, such as slippery slopes after rain.

Ensure children, particularly younger ones, are well supervised. It’s a total myth, by the way, that the new regulations mean no kids on farms.

Family is a vital part of farming. No one is trying to stop that but children feature large in the high death toll on farms so we have to take that on board.

For too long farmers have been saying they learn by their mistakes. However,

Photo supplied

that’s no use when someone is killed or too badly injured to come back from it.

I wouldn’t want to carry the burden of knowing that happened on my farm.

I could name a dozen farmers in my area who’ve talked about near-misses they’ve had over the last few years.

They say “I won’t do that again”. I’ve had a few myself. We are all very lucky to still be here. Others haven’t been so fortunate.

I’m not a preacher. I’m an advocate. I have a son who is farming and I want him to be safe. By taking simple steps, by using the tools and guidelines such as those provided on the Safer Farms website and by talking about and sharing what we are doing, it will spread incrementally.

My challenge to you is to give health and safety the same priority as your preferred brand of tractor. It should be part of being a good farmer.

You’ll be seeing me round the traps talking about health and safety — so please come and say “hello”. Tell me what you think, and we’ll talk about it. ◆◆For more details see www.saferfarms. org.nz – Courtesy of the Ravensdown spring edition of Ground Effect. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Calf Club/Ag Days 2016 Mary had a little lamb and daisy had a duck... and so it goes on. As country kids prepare to seek ribbons for their efforts in raising animals of many descriptions, Rural Living previews events from throughout our region.

Mauku School Country Life Day September 10, 389 Union Rd, Mauku Contact: 09 236 3653 or admin@mauku.school.nz Ramarama School Calf Club Day September 17, 126 Ararimu Rd, Ramarama Contact: 09 294 8795 or admin@ramarama.school.nz Brookby School Ag Day September 18, West Rd, Brookby Contact: 09 530 8569 or office@brookby.school.nz Clevedon School Agricultural Day September 23, 13 North Rd, Clevedon Contact: 09 292 8654 or office@clevedonschool.co.nz Harrisville School Country Pet Day September 23, Harrisville Rd, Harrisville Contact: 09 2368795 or office@harrisville.school.nz Ararimu School Agricultural Day September 24, 7 Steel Rd, Ararimu Contact: 09 294 8372 or ararimu.school.nz Buckland School Agricultural Day September 24, 72 George Cres, Buckland Contact: 09 238 9419 or GMills@buckland.school.nz

Drury School Calf Club Day September 24, Young Cres, Drury Contact: 09 294 8502 or office@drury.school.nz Paparimu School Calf Club/Pet Day September 24, 3 Matheson Rd, Hunua Contact: 09 292 5861 or admin@paparimu.school.nz Pukekohe East School Pet Day September 24, 137 Runciman Rd, Pukekohe East Contact: 09 238 8708 or admin@peps.school.nz

Puni School Country Day September 24, 357 Waiuku Rd, Puni Contact: 09 238 7403 or admin@puni.school.nz Te Hihi School Ag Day September 24, Linwood Rd, Hingaia Contact: 09 292 7706 or office@tehihi.school.nz Aka Aka Primary School Calf Club Day September 25, 809 Aka Aka Rd, Aka Aka Contact: 09 235 2806 or admin@akaaka.school.nz

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 23

Stop the buck before it’s here!

T

he war on Evergreen buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) continues to be waged by Waikato Regional Council which is determined that the small infestation found will be weeded out and destroyed to prevent the problem growing.

Originating from the Mediterranean, Evergreen buckthorn was introduced to New Zealand as an ornamental plant and is common in Auckland and on some Hauraki Gulf islands.

In the Waikato region, it is currently limited to a few localised sites in Hamilton City, Coromandel and Te Kauwhata but remains a serious threat especially to coastal areas where it can form thick stands and interfere with native plant regeneration.

Growing to between five and 10 metres, this bothersome shrub or small tree, has thick foliage with dark green glossy leaves (up to 6 cm long) and small green flowers – 3-4mm in diameter, without petals which bloom from May to November. It is often recognisable for it clusters of red berries which eventually turn black as they

mature. These are frequently dispersed by birds.

A rather nondescript shrub, it is sometimes confused with native plants such as coprosmas. It is tolerant of dry or exposed conditions and can quickly take over stream and forest margins or disturbed forests, changing the structure of native ecosystems.

Landowners can choose to remove Evergreen buckthorn, or, in the Waikato region, assistance can be requested.

Small plants up to 30cm can be uprooted, but care needs to be taken to grub out all the roots. However, physical

control is ineffective for larger plants, as they readily grow from stems or re-sprout from roots.

Stumps can be cut and all stems from the base treated immediately with a suitable herbicide, such as Vigilant® gel or glyphosate.1.

While councils are removing established plants and seeking out new infestations, early detection of infestations of evergreen buckthorn is vital to achieve their goals.

If you think you have seen this pest, contact your local plant pest contractor or for added advice call Waikato Regional Council pest plant staff on 0800 246 732.

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Feathered friends

not so welcome

By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

W

hite splotches and loose bits of straw have started appearing on the benches around my workshop signalling another seasonal pest problem is about to make its presence felt.

Sparrows, starlings, mynas, pigeons and doves will often move into buildings and other structures for the nesting season.

The associated noise produced by large numbers of these birds is often deafening and the acidic nature of bird droppings causes serious damage to many surfaces including paint on vehicles and tractors stored in sheds that the birds are using. Add to this the very real disease risks associated with birds around stock feed and it’s not hard to see why pest bird control is so often undertaken in and around buildings.

Whichever of these species you have, the issues are pretty much the same and it revolves around access and usable nesting area. Access is often difficult to remove as many buildings favoured by birds are completely open by design, or have their doors open all day every day.

If access is being gained only through small holes e.g. gaps around beams, then covering these with mesh will obviously help but completely stopping access is not often possible.

Useable nesting areas consist of any elevated small flatish surface. Ledges, light shades and the tops of exposed beams are all common places for birds to nest, and it can be incredible just how many birds will use a few short metres of space.

Exploring your options with regards to making these areas unusable to birds is

well worthwhile e.g. covering exposed beams with mesh or timber, the being trick to remove all flatish surfaces.

If this is not possible, then smearing them with Eatons Bird gel can work really well. This product is non toxic and works by making the surface too sticky for the birds to use. For more information on this product go to www.nopests.co.nz.

There is another similar product called Hotfoot that produces a mild burning sensation on the feet and this works well too – visit www.crt.co.nz.

I have seen many situations where the area to be treated is simply too vast or too high to realistically apply any deterrent products and, in these situations, physical control of the birds is required.

The most commonly used product is Pestoff Bird Paste (active ingredient alphachloralose). This can be applied to bread or grain and once eaten the birds become drowsy and fall unconscious; any unintentional victims can often be safely revived by putting them in a box in the hot

water cupboard.

If applied correctly the level of control achieved in a short timeframe is often impressive. There are also pre-mixed alphachloralose peas and wheat available off the shelf and these work well, too.

The trick is to establish a solid feeding regime over a few days prior to poisoning; this is critical as it gives the birds time to become accustomed to the pre feed.

Observing their feeding often gives us valuable insight into how successful the control will be.

As always, follow all manufacturer’s instructions for safe and efficient use. For more information on the Pestoff range of bird control products go to www.pestoff. co.nz .

While shooting won’t be effective on most species around buildings, it is a real winner for pigeons and doves in their roosts; I often remove every single bird in just one visit. For detailed instructions on how to deal with individual situations please feel free to call me anytime.

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 25

Expo big on home and lifestyle concepts T he inaugural Franklin Home & Lifestyle Expo is set to hit town offering locals and visitors a host of ideas and options for building, renovating, decorating, landscaping and finishing their homes with style.

Come the weekend of September 24-25, the PIA Event Centre in Ward St, Pukekohe, will be pumping as more than 100 exhibitors from throughout Franklin come together to showcase their wares and offer expert advice.

What’s more local appliance retailer, Gary Pye 100% and Panasonic have sponsored a fantastic door prize – the $5000 Panasonic Home Package is sure to make one lucky winner a very happy show-goer!

Naturally, the expo, organised by Richard and Aynsley Graham of Now Events (pictured), will boast a wide variety of

Continues on page 28

EXPO

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 27

MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD! From page 26

products from kitchens, carpet, curtains and home ventilation to house and shed construction companies, landscapers, interior designers, gutter systems, furniture, garden art, specialty organic, wellness products and much more.

“We are excited to have some of the best home and lifestyle businesses in Franklin displaying their products and services,” says Richard. “Franklin is experiencing extraordinary growth, and it’s the perfect time for all residents, including those planning to move this way, to see what’s on offer.”

Visitors can also expect a festival atmosphere with food, live music and entertainment plus plenty of ‘show only’ specials, competitions and prizes up for grabs. And the good news is a portion of proceeds from the expo will benefit The Franklin Silver Lining Trust.

“The Franklin Silver Lining Trust does great work,” Aynsley says. “Its caring and community-minded people support local families in their times of need, having helped more than 1000 families so far.

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“But importantly, this is an expo with many benefits and we’re sure it will provide the kind of inspiration householders and homeowners will appreciate.”

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Visit our show home in the months of August and September and if you enter a residential building contract with us before October 31st 2016, you’ll receive a set of the new Italian range of cookware by Fisher & Paykel valued at $1,000.

SEE US AT STAND #50 We’re giving away a Smeg Retro Kettle and matching 4 Slice Toaster valued at $828!!

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28 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 29

Lasting legacy of Tuakau’s ‘Big White Chief’ Described as one of Tuakau’s most popular and well known residents after his untimely and tragic death, William Archibald Smeed was loved by Maori and Pakeha alike. Memories of a remarkable man have resurfaced thanks to a new exhibit at Tuakau Museum. ANGELA KEMP reports.

M

ost people who live in the northern reaches of the Waikato are familiar with Smeed’s Quarry on the south side of the Waikato River in Pukekawa, near the Mercer Rowing Club.

Although the quarry has been run by roading giants, Winstones since the 1970s, the name has stuck and continues to foster local curiosity about its origins which date back almost 100 years.

It was started by Will Smeed in the 1920s to cater for a growing demand for roading metal due to the increasing popularity of motor transport. The metal was crushed at the quarry site before being barged down the river and under Tuakau Bridge to the ‘landing’ where today the river boat has its docking pontoon.

The quarry was just one of several enterprises Will was involved in locally and where he gained a reputation for being both a skilled and respected engineer as well as a kind and considerate boss.

He set up a threshing mill, a chaff cutter and was the first in the district to put a haybaler on the back of a motor lorry.

In partnership with his brother-inlaw, James Pirret, he established Tuakau cinematograph pictures which were held in what was then called, Revell’s Hall on Harrisville Hill and which later transferred to Tuakau War Memorial Hall.

Will was born in Jellicoe Avenue in Tuakau in 1883 and married childhood sweetheart, Christina Pirrit with whom he had four children.

By the age of 20 he became one of the youngest to qualify as a locomotive and traction engine driver which makes the circumstances of his death even more poignant.

In February 1943 Will was killed on the railway crossing at Tuakau when the van he was driving was hit by a train. He was aged 60.

His grand-daughter Pam Barber lives in Port Waikato and says it was presumed that Will expected the Mercer /Auckland train to stop at Tuakau Station as usual.

30 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

Tuakau’s Great White Chief, Will Smeed - respected by Maori and Pakeha.

“But this was a relief train, an extra train that wasn’t scheduled to stop. The bottle of milk he was taking to work remained intact.”

In a report of his death in the Franklin Times, Will was described as Tuakau’s best known and most popular resident.

He was said to be “a man of outstanding personality and possessor of a charming disposition (whose) charity knew no bounds”.

Photos supplied

It goes on to detail some of Will’s good deeds which included helping out families who were under stress, providing transport for sporting teams and never seeing anyone in difficulties if he could help them out. But it was for his unique relationship with the local Maori that earned Will his greatest accolade and unofficial title of ‘Great White Chief’.

After his death local iwi asked for his body to be taken to the Tuakau Maori www.ruralliving.co.nz

Knowledge Exchange scheme and a Helping Hands grant.

She is full of praise for the work of Rangi Te Kanawa, a textile conservator at Te Papa, and Sally August, the museum development adviser at Te Papa, in facilitating the stabilising and framing of the cloak.

“In January the cloak was taken to Wellington where Te Kanawa surface cleaned it and prepared it for framing.

She described the cloak as an early 20th century Maori cloak, hand woven with the main body woven in cotton-candlewick,” Sandra says.

The cloak is decorated with Kiwi feathers which are evenly spaced over the kaupapa and pheasant feathers decorate the borders.

“By all accounts Will was a very generous man and was well loved and respected by both Maori and Pakeha. He did many selfless acts including never charging the local churches for supplying metal.”

The cloak recently had an official unveiling attended by local kaumatua Mara Tupaea who led the dedication.

Present were many of Will’s descendants including several great-great grandchildren. One of his 12 grandchildren, Robert Johnston, spoke of his ancestor who he regretted never having met.

“We are here as a result of the events that followed Will’s death that in turn came about because of the close bond and mutual respect held between Will and the local Maori population.

“He was known to them as ‘The Big White Chief’ and had he not died on that day in 1943 he would, in time, have been our ‘Big White Chief’ too.”

Onewhero School’s kapa haka group, of which two of Will’s great-great grandchildren, Ruby and Joe Lorimer, are members, performed at the unveiling.

The cloak is now on permanent display at the Tuakau and District Museum, 10 Liverpool St, Tuakau, open on Sundays 1pm - 3.30pm or by arrangement.

The restored cloak now on display in Tuakau.

Hostel, now known as Nga Tai E Rua Marae, where a memorial service was held as a final tribute.

At the service Will was said to have had a great interest in the welfare of Maori and to have carried out many charitable acts towards them.

Among those present was his close friend and noted tribal leader, ‘Princess’ Te Puea Herangi who placed a kahu huruhuru or Maori cloak over his coffin.

The cloak was then gifted to Christina, and for many years it hung in the hallway of the Smeed family home in Harrisville Road. In 2012 Will and Christina’s daughter, Shirley Muir, gave the cloak to the Tuakau Museum.

Because of its fragile condition it wasn’t put on public display until it could be stabilised. This was finally completed earlier this year by conservators at the national museum, Te Papa.

Sandra Brasell, secretary of the Tuakau Museum Society says the cloak has been conserved thanks to Te Papa’s Expert

New

ow ome N

h

Show

01492-v2

The assertion that ‘the continuing decline’ in honey bees could sting New Zealand agriculture with a $295-728 million annual loss has been challenged by New Zealand’s ‘bee body’.

In response to conclusions from a recent Lincoln University study, Daniel Paul from Apiculture New Zealand says, although bees face challenges from the varroa mite, other viruses and bacteria, beekeepers have been managing these successfully for many years.

“I think it’s misleading to suggest that honey bees in New Zealand are under some kind of near-term threat as Lincoln seems to be suggesting,” Mr Paul says. “That sends entirely the wrong message to our agriculture and horticulture partners who rely on bees for crop pollination.”

He adds that both hive and beekeeper numbers are growing rapidly. “We are nearing 700,000 hives, up from 300,000 15 years ago... there are close to 7,000 beekeepers in New Zealand and that number continues to grow each year as well.”

Rural Living has sought further comment from Lincoln University.

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 31

Rural meander

i screAm fOr ice creAm

Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS

W

ell, the rain seems to have stopped for a few days and our property is starting to dry out.

What a mess everywhere but the daffodils are blooming and that feeling of spring is in the air. Little lambs and calves abound and, in those families where the children attend rural schools, the baby animals are being treated to all sorts of special care in readiness for calf club and country days.

The other day Brian and I decided to drive around Franklin and look at what is happening with all the new subdivisions.

We read all the time that the area is growing but we couldn’t imagine to what extent.

We drove out towards Waiuku then back up Puke’ hill amazed at the earthworks going on and new houses being built.

We then headed to Tuakau and there, again, lots and lots of new houses and large blocks of land were being excavated.

Tuakau township was very busy and, of course, the Tuakau Pub really makes a statement there on the main street. It is great seeing the town come back to life and also to see new classrooms being added to the school. That’s a good sign of growth.

By that time we felt we were ready for an ice cream so we drove to the ice cream

capital of New Zealand, Pokeno.

We couldn’t get a car park as it was Sunday afternoon and the market was just closing. Queues outside the ice cream shops were huge. I thought how funny it looked with everyone walking around eating ice creams and some had up to six scoops!

People were also sitting in cars eating ice cream although there were a couple of exceptions –hot chips being the preferred snack. The Pokeno bacon shop was busy but as it was flanked by the shops selling ice creams; butchery customers were still licking their chops while buying their pork.

On seeing the huge housing developments happening in Pokeno, I wondered how long it would be before different types of shops start opening to service this new and quickly growing community.

However, with all of those new homes

and potential for more houses, the traffic problem out there is just getting worse.

Every new house seemed to have at least two cars so where do they go? The other day it took 55 minutes from the motorway on ramp at Drury to Manukau.

Such fun!

Brian and I are now headed to Melbourne with our Waiau Pa friends and by the time you read this we will be home again.

When I told Brian I had booked us to see a Roy Orbison Tribute concert at the Crown Casino, he was pleased but thought Roy Orbison was still alive!

He was most disappointed when I informed that the Big O had died in 1988.

Sometimes, I wonder!

See you at the Franklin Home and Lifestyle Expo at the end of September.

Rural Living has a stall there so come and have a chat with us!

Buying or Selling?

Let Me Help!

With 30 years experience and a huge local and overseas database, we can move mountains!

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13543

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Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz, click on the competitions link then fill in the form. One entry per person/email address; entries close September 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

WiN! sHooF milkiNg glovEs If the Shoof fits, wear it! That’s the message from veterinary equipment company, Shoof International. Despite modern milking methods, mastitis can still be spread from cow-to-cow through small cracks and fissures in milkers’ hands. Fortunately, Shoof has a range of specially-designed gloves on hand via milkinggloves.com, with delivery direct to the farm gate. Shoof recommends its nitrile gloves as they are non-allergenic, and won’t cause any skin irritation or rashes.

For comfort sake, Nitrile also adopts the shape of our hands, and are also more resistant to punctures, and a wider range of chemicals than latex. Rural Living has packs of 100 nitrile gloves for two lucky winners.

WiN! a rEmiNgtoN barbEr’s bEst bEard trimmEr Father doesn’t always know what’s best but, when it comes to hair, his barber’s bound to! Drawing on the expertise of the upper crust of upper cutters, Remington has developed its Barber’s Best clippers, trimmers and shavers. Thanks to its titanium coated and stainless steel blades, the range’s cordless Beard Trimmer (RRP $169.99) faces up to beards and stubble of any length. And, its Adjustable Zoom Comb has nine trimming lengths to tackle even the most wayward facial creations. What’s more, Rural Living has one to give away!

WiN! a PiEcE oF all black History WitH WEEt-biX How do you eat your Weet-Bix, with milk, honey or yoghurt? Whichever way you enjoy this Kiwi cereal favourite, be sure it’s with the new Weet-Bix All Black World Champion Collector Cards. The one-off collection of Weet-Bix World Champion Collector Cards celebrates the legacy of the All Blacks’ record three Rugby World Cup triumphs – 1987, 2011, 2015. Our prize pack includes a full set of premium collector cards – featuring a player image, a special edition All Blacks logo, player signature, All Blacks number and player stats and facts – plus a special collector’s album, and a 1.2kg box of Weet-Bix packed in a limited edition tin. What a prize!

WiN! silbErHorN collagEN Pluss Growing older is no picnic! As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, hair lacks body and bounce and even nails suffer, becoming brittle, dull and prone to breaking. However, by stimulating collagen production and retention (while also regenerating elastin), Silberhorn Collagen Pluss is intended to provide bodies with the building blocks they need to revitalise skin, hair and nails. Thanks to the good folk at Silberhorn, Rural Living has THREE bottles, RRP $49.95 per bottle (60s) to give away.

WiN! FEEl good dad’s day giFt Pack We all know some Dads are spoiled every day of the year but September brings Father’s Day and if your dad been left a bit short on treats then perhaps a holiday away is a good idea.

If you already have a holiday booked, you can shop online at www.theloopdutyfree.co.nz and collect your purchases in store when you fly out! But, in the meantime, Rural Living has a super Father’s Day prize pack up for grabs, bought to you by The Loop Duty Free. Each pack contains a stylish cooler bag, Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey 50ml cologne and a bag of Toblerone chocolates. Total value – RRP $130. www.ruralliving.co.nz

WiN! stag doo by ‘big al’ If you think city guys have a wild night out, tying one on before tying the knot, then ‘Big Al’ Lester’s here to put a few things into perspective! In his latest book (a great gift idea for Father’s Day), this master of mirth presents a collection of campfire stories and bizarre yarns often told as the tide-lines in those whisky bottles drop. Loaded with mishaps, balls-ups and cunning plans doomed to disaster, these stories are told with relish and (most likely) quite the side of embellishment to boot. ◆ ‘Big Al’ Lester: Stag Doo | RRP $38 | Penguin NZ Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 33

What’s IN

Kristina’s handbag?

With a diploma in civil engineering, Kristina Salmons was entirely at home in the construction business for some years. But these days the talented businesswoman far prefers creating beautiful brides to planning bridges and roads.

O

wner of Girl Meets Gown, in Pukekohe, Kristina Salmons says she never intended to enter the bridal business.

“I’d worked in construction most of my life but when I married nine years ago I loved the whole process of wedding planning. I started dreaming about working in the bridal industry and then it happened.”

Playing a big role in her clients’ special day and seeing their delight when they find “the dress” is priceless, she says.

“My grandmother is a very talented lady. She used to own a bridal shop in Hawkes Bay and made all types of dresses.

Although I loved spending time with her and being the model for flower girl dresses, I never envisaged having a shop of my own.

My mum, who is also a great sewer, taught me to sew, but, looking back, I

wish I had spent a lot more time learning from her and my gran.”

Modest about her own abilities, nevertheless Kristina has a reputation for producing fabulous bridal and special occasion wear. Subsequently she has been involved with several beauty pageants.

“Pageants of New Zealand events, founded and run by Diane Foley, organises a variety of beauty pageants and I’ve been invited on to several judging panels. I’ve also helped dress some of the contestants.”

“I was particularly delighted to assist with gowns for local contestant, Louise Dunn who won Miss Teen New Zealand earlier this year and recently returned from Guatemala where she was crowned Miss Teenager Oceania.”

With her busy lifestyle revolving around the shop (moving shortly to premises in

Reidy Place), pageants and her role as a wife and a mum of two boys ( six and four years) and a 16 year old step daughter, Kristina is always on the go. And, where she goes, so does her handbag. Naturally, Rural Living just had to ask: What’s in your handbag, Kristina?

Don’t ask! But since you have, all and sundry; in fact, pretty well my life!

Do you have a favourite style/brand?

I don’t have a favourite style or brand; as long as the bag is practical I’m bound to like it! I do like to have pockets in a handbag so I can access the more important things easily.

Do you prefer a small or large bag and why?

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A medium sized bag is good; if it’s too big I just fill it up with things I don’t need or I end up carrying everyone else’s stuff!

What items are likely to be found in your bag at any one time (and/or at any special time) – normal or otherwise?

On a normal day I have the basics – wallet, keys, lippy, business cards. If I’m going to a bridal show or photo shoot I usually have my emergency kit which is pins, sewing items and bull dog clips.

These are the ‘must have’ accessories of 2016 – if a dress doesn’t fit right they provide the perfect quick fix.

As I have two sons, I can guarantee I will have at least one hot wheels car in my bag – when I emptied my bag for this photo I had six! I also have snacks, dirty socks and wet wipes all the essentials for boys. In addition I carry a small evening bag as back up if I end up somewhere unplanned and need something smaller or daintier to complement an outfit.

What can’t you leave home without having in your bag?

My cell phone. I pretty much run my business from the phone making appointments and answering questions.

One thing I wish I had in my bag and should have in my bag is a pen. I can never find one when needed or they are always broken in pieces in the bottom of my bag.

What’s in there that you don’t really need?

I am really bad for keeping receipts just in case I need to return an item but you can guarantee if I need to take something back I won’t have that receipt! I also have

Kristina Salmons – needle and thread regular items in her handbag

a nail file kit which I don’t need as I usually bite my nails but they say that’s a sign of a perfectionist so I’m happy with that.

What’s the most embarrassing/funny thing to fall out of your bag?

I was at a quiz night and they had a game called, ‘what’s in your bag’ and one of the items asked for was spare underwear.

Embarrassingly, I had in my bag, a pair of my son’s teeny tiny undies with a Superman logo on the front. When the girls at my table saw them I just had to show the whole room.

Photo Wayne Martin

An afterthought!

When I emptied my bag I also found a ticket stub from an Eagles concert I attended with my family. It brought a smile to my face because time spent with family is important to me; they are my inspiration. Being grateful for the way I was raised it’s the little things, such as music, which remind me of my wonderful childhood. Finally, I should note that my bag must be possessed because my husband won’t go near it. I don’t know what he thinks is inside but when he reads this, perhaps it won’t be so frightening!

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 35

What’s new You RED

my mind

at Acorns of Clevedon?

Kiss winter gloom goodbye – Ketz-ke’s first foray into spring is simply luscious.

With poppy red and strawberry hues set to take centre stage, young trendsetters can be confident of a bright outlook.

Ketz-ke’s latest drop combines those dramatic red and strawberry tones with bold abstract patterns – think oriental floral displays!

These vibrant brights are refreshingly crisp, whilst the relaxed silhouettes and floaty fabrics of the Stampede Pant and Rifle Tee create a easywearing ensemble.

And, for an instant mood elevator, the striking Slouch Jumpsuit is sure to turn heads for all the right reasons.

B

righten up your winter look with naturally New Zealand-made lipstick from Living Nature.

A staple in most women’s make-up bags, a red lipstick is the ultimate statement of confidence. It can add that dash of glamour to your day, and give a feeling of indulgence and femininity.

With research showing that women can ingest up to 1.7kgs of lipstick over a lifetime, it is important that your lipstick contains only safe, natural ingredients.

Living Nature’s red lipsticks are Certified COSMOS Organic, 100% natural, gluten-free, crueltyfree and handmade in New Zealand.

They are available in two on-trend shades of red: ◆◆ Organic Wild Fire – unleash your free spirit and tackle your day with wicked confidence.

Wild Fire is a semi-matte, warm, classic red with an orange undertone. ◆ Organic Pure Passion Get yours conjures up a feeling of while stocks sophistication and mystery. last. Cannot Let the romance begin with be used in this rich, deep semi-matte conjunction red with a subtle crimson with any other undertone. promotion.

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36 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

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1. Ketz-ke North Tee, RRP $119 & Ketz-ke Stampede Pant, RRP $145. 2. Ketz-ke Slouch Jumpsuit, RRP $198 3. Ketz-ke Rifle Sweat, RRP$159 & Ketz-ke Slouch Jumpsuit $198 www.ruralliving.co.nz

What causes

hair trends

tooth decay?

Natasha Harris from Alberts Hair Salon, Pukekohe brings you the latest in hair trends from across the globe.

By Yvonne Vannoort, The Dentist

T

he ponytail game is seriously strong. But how will you wear yours? There are endless possibilities!

We especially love a sleek, high ponytail. A long, glossy mane looks excellent when styled into a high pony. Or use yesterday’s curls and sport a not so perfect, low ponytail accompanied by a sweeping side fringe.

For this strong on-trend style to be a star, hair needs to be shiny and healthy and after winter it’s time to think about conditioning treatments to nourish and re-invigorate your tresses.

At Alberts we choose to use TREAT.ME by Kevin Murphy, a range of products designed for an in-salon experience.

“Super Proteins” from vegetables and plants penetrate easily to strengthen the hair shaft and repair damage created by heat styling and chemical services.

TREAT.ME is full strength with a high concentration of active ingredients. This range can be tailored to suit each of our client’s individual needs and will make the surface of your hair more supple, elastic and smoother – the perfect fix for hair that has seen a few too many birthdays and parties.

Benefits: Sulphate Free, Reduces Breakage, For Damaged Hair, Increases Elasticity, 26 Amino Acids, Antioxidant Rich, Colour Safe, Strengthens Hair, Alpha Hydroxy Acids.

It’s also the ideal time to think cut and colour. And, remember, long locks will be just as much in need of shaping and treatment, as cropped styles, to ensure health and shine. Whether looking for a modest change or in need of a total transformation, please contact Alberts qualified, professional hairstylists. We look forward to seeing you soon.

– Natasha Harris, Alberts Hair Salon

I

’ve learnt over the years the importance of getting to the core of a problem.

Putting a plaster on an issue is helpful to start with but doesn’t prevent the same problem from happening again.

As a dentist filling teeth I sometimes feel the same way. I can remove the decay and restore the tooth in most circumstances (the plaster), but what can I do to help stop the decay from reoccurring?

“I can remove The obvious answer most people are the decay and aware of is to avoid fizzy drinks (because restore the they are loaded with sugar and are acidic) tooth in most and to clean teeth well. However, this isn’t circumstances the answer for everyone. Some people (the plaster), are careful about these things and still but what can I develop decay, so what other factors can do to help stop play a part? the decay from reoccurring?”

Here are some not so obvious reasons for tooth decay: ◆◆Low saliva levels. Many commonly used medications have an effect on reducing saliva, particularly, the ‘anti’ groups. Eg anti-depressants, anti-hypertensives, antiinflammatories. Saliva protects teeth so this medicinal side affect is important and often overlooked. It often occurs in older people who are more likely to take medication and multiple medications. ◆◆Crowded teeth can collect food and be hard to clean. This can be a reason to straighten teeth using orthodontics. ◆◆Teeth that have gaps around them also collect food and are more likely to develop decay. These can be natural gaps between teeth or gaps between fillings. The most risky situation is when you don’t realise the food is getting caught and it sits there for a while. ◆◆Mouth breathers as the mouth becomes dry and the teeth are not protected by saliva. We are designed to breathe through our noses. ◆◆Lozenges for coughs and colds when used for longer periods of time, especially at night. ◆◆People that don’t easily absorb minerals in their food or supplements. (This warrants a discussion of it own accord!).

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Ph 09 238 4619 • www.the-dentist-pukekohe.co.nz 13201

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 37

Footie, Foote and farming Considering the legacy of such players as Colin ‘Pinetree’ Meads, Dave ‘Trapper’ Loveridge, Sid Going, Richard Loe, Andrew Hore and even the Barrett boys of today, it’s fair to say the cream of the crop of NZ’s rugby talent often grows from rural roots. Ahead of his appearance on Country TV, local farmer (and former ITM Cup player), James Foote, tells JON RAWLINSON why men of the land are so tough to tackle.

I

n preparation for a game of footie, Wal Footrot used to tackle sheep; cows are tougher, so that’s out of the question for sharemilker and former Tasman Makos first five-eighth, James Foote.

However, the Patumahoe drystock farmer’s son believes his rural upbringing served him well in transitioning from paddock to sports field.

“A farming background instils [in players] a strong work ethic. Rural children tend to know that things aren’t going to be handed to them on a plate, which is reflected on their sports and lives in general. I guess farming just tends to breed tougher people,” he says.

While, in a professional era, fortune may favour the game’s major players (or unions) James believes provincial rugby remains relatively strong.

“Money speaks these days. There’s a bit of a divide [between rural and urban unions] but I think the New Zealand Rugby Union is trying to keep this to a minimum.

“The cream of the talent used to be scooped up by the big unions, but I think we are seeing – in the last couple of years at least – more of the better players happy to stay with their home unions. At the end of the day, rural rugby is the heartbeat of our game so it’s important to keep it pumping.”

Although he may not have attained the same heights as the greats of the game, James’ hard work did pay off during a semi-professional career.

From Tuakau College and Counties rep’ sides, the talented kicker scored a rugby scholarship to Saint Kentigern College, a place at the Auckland Rugby Academy 38 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

and, when Tasman Makos offered a contract, he took the bait.

“I had two passions growing up: rugby and farming. I couldn’t really do both so, while I was young and fit, I gave rugby a good crack, but I knew that when I finished up I’d come back to farming and I’ve been lucky to do that,” he says.

“Playing for New Zealand (Under 16s) and being selected for NZ Secondary Schools was cool. As for playing in the ITM Cup [now Mitre 10 Cup], that was awesome – but rugby was never going to buy me a farm.”

After a two-season stint with Eastwood in Sydney, James and his wife, Louise, returned home in 2011 with a new teammate in tow.

“I started to get itchy feet. I was keen to get back to New Zealand and back on the farm, so I traded in the rugby boots for gumboots. Farming offered a longer term way to make a living and we wanted to start our family – we already had one in the oven when we left.”

Despite a season with Onewhero Rugby Club, James was keen to take aim at his next career goal of raising a herd and a family to boot.

After working in various farming roles in Ngatea, Mangatangi and Miranda, he took a giant step towards this goal by winning Farm Manager of the Year at the 2015 Dairy Industry Awards.

Armed with money and prizes, ‘team Foote’ – including his parents, Tom and Chrissie, Louise, and their children Cooper (now 5) and Emerson (2) – progressed to sharemilking on 185ha Karaka property earlier this year.

“You can battle away as hard as you like

by yourself on a farm, but it takes a team to succeed. In either case [farming or rugby], if you can build a good team, things just happen so much easier,” James explains.

“We’re halfway through our 10 year plan to own our own farm. The goalposts do move, so we’ve had to re-evaluate our goals, but sharemilking is exactly where we wanted to be by now.”

A competitive streak approximately 185ha wide runs through the Foote family, which also features James’ nephew, Kaleb, a highly successful shearer). It’s a handy attribute in tough times, or during home www.ruralliving.co.nz

Photo Wayne Martin

“I don’t see [low dairy prices] as all negative... just like in a game when you’re down on the scoreboard, plan A might not be working so try plan B and even plan C sometimes; you just need to keep on adjusting those goals.”

– James Foote

games for that matter.

“I don’t see [low dairy prices] as all negative. I always think of ‘that glass’ as being full of opportunity. Right now, stock prices are low and you can always swing a deal for machinery when things are slow, for example. Just like in a game when you’re down on the scoreboard, plan A might not be working so try plan B and even plan C sometimes; you just need to keep on adjusting those goals.

“As a family, we’re extremely competitive. If a game of touch breaks out, it’ll likely soon turn into tackle. We’re www.ruralliving.co.nz

a pretty big family (and tight-knit) and we all know there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

As I bid James all the best – dodging a pair of errant calf club lambs on my way out the door – I ask whether today’s countryreared All Blacks could be at risk of losing their rural ruggedness.

He answers, with a laugh: “Yeah, I suppose it can happen, if they move away from their rural roots too early and start drinking too many lattes, that is!”

Screen dreams materialise To learn more about rugby’s rural connections, tune into the new series, Rugby is in Our Blood which kicks off on Wednesday, August 24 on Country TV (SKY channel 81). Proving rugby is more than just a game of two halves, this 12-part series includes episodes focused on James (September 14) and Waiuku’s most famous white baiter, Stephen ‘Beaver’ Donald.

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 39

Rowing fOr gOld

s Carpentry creations y

by kirsty van berkel, suits & gumboots country daycare ou walk into childcare centre and see a group of children around a table using saws, hammers, nails and drills. “Children using real tools, is that safe, don’t they hurt themselves?” you ask.

I understand that carpentry tools have sharp edges and points and that hammers can bruise fingers or be dropped on toes, but the learning opportunities for children in carpentry are endless.

It opens their minds to create in three dimensional ways.

They can gain control and confidence with fine and gross motor skills, learn how to communicate with others, explore mathematical concepts of force, weight, length and size, and learn how to problem solve, co-operate and share with their peers.

The ways in which we can support children with the everyday knowledge as to how we can keep ourselves safe is to let them explore and take risks.

We scaffold our children with knowledge around safety equipment, how to hold tools, transport them, store them safely and have equipment in good working order for use.

Te Whariki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum talks about children discovering and developing different ways to be creative, knowing the limits and boundaries of acceptable behaviour, and gaining confidence in, and control of, their bodies.

My challenge to you is next time you are in the shed tinkering, in the garage fixing a car or on the farm putting up new fences, let your child join in with using those tools. They will learn life experiences and skills with a hands-on approach which will serve them well down the track.

Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare 12 Helenslee Rd, Pokeno.

46 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata Phone 0800 464656 www.suitsandgumboots.co.nz 40 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

ome Rio Olympians may have been up the creek at the games, but that’s just the way Bombay-raised rower, Eric Murray, likes it!

The former Pukekohe High School student experienced yet another golden moment recently as he and crewmate, Hamish Bond, secured their second Olympic gold medal.

While the All Blacks’ record is certainly impressive, it pales in comparison to that of this ‘Kiwi Pair’.

In their new autobiography, Eric and Hamish provide an in-depth account of their rise and rise in one of the world’s most hotly contested sports. Although Hamish says: “When I first met Eric I thought he was an egotistical boofhead,” the pair (one an introvert, the other an extrovert) has formed a highly successful love-hate relationship.

From their early days to winning numerous world championship titles and (now) two Olympic gold medals, The Kiwi Pair shows how different strokes can function in perfect harmony. ◆ Hamish Bond & Eric Murray: The Kiwi Pair | RRP $40 | Penguin NZ

Win! Rural Living has a copy of The Kiwi Pair (in stores from August 26) up for grabs. To be in to win, simply complete the form at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close September 2016.

Winner notified by phone or email.

Win! leAn in 15 – the shApe plAn To shape up, first we need to shift around. However, exactly how to do this effectively is a matter of great debate.

In his first book, personal trainer and boxing coach, Joe Wicks not only outlines his plan for burning fat and increasing fitness, but also shares 15 minute recipes to ensure the body receives the fuel it needs.

By focusing on efficient exercise, Joe maintains that we need not spend hours in the gym to shape muscles, increase metabolic rates and burn calories.

Rural Living has a copy of this book to give away. To be in to win, simply complete the form on the competitions page at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close September 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email. ◆ Joe Wicks: Lean in 15 – The Shape Plan | RRP $39.99 | Macmillan Publishers NZ www.ruralliving.co.nz

Kidding around...

All those who’ve put away childish things best drag them back out again because it’s time to celebrate some great (new and recent) children’s books!

FraNkiE Potts sEriEs With flaming red hair, an enquiring mind and an addiction to gobstoppers, Frankie Potts is no ordinary girl. And when she sets her mind to it, it seems no mystery in the village of Tring will go unsolved for long.

In the first two books, of what expects to be an engaging series (primarily for readers aged 7-10), this indomitable character is on the case of a dog gone from his home, a tattooed grandma and even a burglar who’s bent on pinching a diamond-encrusted bikini!

In Frankie Potts and The Sparkplug Mysteries and Frankie Potts and The Bikini Burglar Juliet Jacka introduces us to a sleuth with a penchant for uncovering the truth. ◆ Juliet Jacka: Frankie Potts and the Sparkplug Mysteries & Frankie Potts and the Bikini Burglar | RRP $11.99 each | Puffin / Penguin NZ

cHarliE & tHE War agaiNst tHE graNNiEs The grannies started it — when 11-yearold Charlie asked them about a paper round, they sprayed him in the face with chilli sauce!

From analysis of its causes, to gathering allies — including Hils, Rashid, Peter the Iraqi, and Warren and his magical bike, ‘TwelveSpeed’ — Charlie presents a thought-provoking history of a war liable to be told for generations.

And this is no civilised affair as all manner of weapons are employed, such as snot-covered hankies and a truly terrible device known as the Gnashing Gnet.

Readers best set notions of kindly dears aside; in this book, Charlie is well justified www.ruralliving.co.nz

in waging war against the elderly... and he didn’t really mean to blow any of them up! ◆ Alan Brough: Charlie and the War against the Grannies | RRP $19.99 | Macmillan Publishers NZ

Fizzy PoP The story of a school girl addicted to soft drinks and telly, Fizzy Pop reveals that soft drinks can cause much more embarrassing problems than cavities.

When Lizzy runs a cross country race, a gaseous, carbonated catastrophe – in the form of a bottom belch of epic proportions – sends her flying to the moon!

Can the heroic Max Martin and Lizzy’s other classmates bring her back down to earth? All is revealed as Fizzy Pop – a ‘fantastical tale of friendship, flying machines, fizzy drinks and flatulence – bubbles along. Pre-schoolers will love this one! ◆ Emma Vere-Jones and Kate Snushall: Fizzy Pop | RRP $19.99 | Bookhead Press

i FuNNy tv – a middlE scHool story James, James, Patterson, Patterson... what will you come up with next? In a book billed as ‘side-splittingly hilarious’, we find out!

In this book, Patterson – one of the funniest writers of modern children’s literature – presents Jamie Grimm, who’s committed to proving he’s the ‘Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic’. However, struggles to come to grips with acting required for a new TV show could lead to an early curtain call on Mr Grimm’s career!

Part of a series, I Funny TV reveals that fortune and fame can be tough to claim and far from easy to keep! ◆ James Patterson: I Funny TV – A Middle School Story | RRP $18.99 | Arrow/ Random House

rENt a bridEsmaid Tilly’s hoping ‘her’ big day will go off without a hitch – aside from the obvious one, of course! But can she really expect everything to go as plan?

In this tale of friendship and confetti, Jacqueline Wilson reveals whether Tilly’s dream of being her best friend’s bridesmaid has any chance of coming true.

While the one wedding she’d really like to attend (her own mum and dad’s) may never happen, kitted out in the most beautiful dress, Tilly may just be smiling all the way down the aisle. ◆ Jacqueline Wilson & Nick Sharratt: A Summer at Sea | RRP $35 | Doubleday Childrens / Random House

Win!

To be in to win any (or possibly all!) of these top titles, simply complete the appropriate forms on the competitions section at ruralliving. co.nz. One entry per person/email address (for each of the above); entries close September 30, 2016.

Winners notified by phone or email.

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 41

One year over and out W ow, where has the year gone? Suits and Gumboots Country Daycare in Pokeno, recently marked its first birthday. It was celebrated in true birthday spirit with a bouncy castle and magician for the children and, of course, loads of party food. A great time was had by all at this significant birthday.

And, what a year it has been! From opening with 11 children and 5 teachers to now employing 11 teachers and boosting the numbers to more than 70, Suits and Gumboots has certainly experienced phenomenal growth.

It has been an exciting but exhausting time for the teaching team and administration. Keeping up with growing enrolments, learning children and family names and forming positive relationships has been our focus for the past 12 months.

However, it has also been a time for finding our feet and enhancing the original philosophy of identity, belonging and relationships. Suits and Gumboots

Country Day care is proud of its centre’s philosophy which was recently reviewed to reflect the past 12 months and the developing knowledge of this fastgrowing community.

Suits and Gumboots has also worked hard on forming links with Pokeno as it evolves. Regular school visits to Pokeno School and local walks with the children has highlighted the need for our youngsters to find out where they belong.

They and teachers have enjoyed exploring the area and taking note of changes to their surroundings.

This second year will be sure to bring new challenges for the centre with further community growth and development.

The Education Review Office is due at the centre in 2017 so it will be eager to hear their opinion on how well the centre is developing. In all, we can look forward to more rewarding times ahead.

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New spuds to rival old!

F

or the chips to be up in summer it’s time to put the spuds in now! And what better time than following Fiesta Bulbs launch of 10 tasty European variety potatoes.

Just added to its seed potato range, the new selections contain 10 varieties of early, main and late season cropping, certified seed potatoes set to rival old varieties in both taste and harvest.

Some of the new varieties include Anuschka (early season), Nectar (early season), Jelly (main crop), Kikko (late season) and Cristina (main crop), to name a few.

Fiesta Bulbs managing director, John Harrison says: “We have selected varieties that produce higher quality, more disease resistant potatoes with greater yields.

“We know Kiwis have their favourites but these new potatoes are just as easy to grow and offer a wider range of taste

WIN! fiesta buLbs potato seed packs!

Dig into this! Thanks to Fiesta Bulbs, five lucky readers can each win a pack of 10 new Fiesta seed potatoes. Here’s your chance for a taste of Europe and all you have to do to be in the draw is visit the competitions link at www.ruralliving. co.nz and fill in the appropriate form. One entry per person/email address, entries drawn September 30, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

options.”

Fiesta has also taken an innovative approach to selling this new selection of seed potatoes – by the number of seed potatoes rather than the weight. Each pack has 10 even sized, certified seed potatoes. No more having to guess the

number of potatoes in a bag or wondering how many growing bags will be needed.

A staple part of Kiwi diets for generations, potatoes are high in fibre, rich in vitamin B and C, and are surprisingly packed with more protein and iron than any other vegetable!

Stuffed Baked Potatoes Potato gurus usually know a thing or two about cooking them. Nevertheless, here is one favourite family recipe from Fiesta Bulbs for tasty, stuffed baked potatoes for you to try!

INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

◆◆6 medium sized potatoes ◆◆30g unsalted butter ◆◆2/3 cup crème fraiche ◆◆ 4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese ◆◆1/2 cup chopped ham or bacon ◆◆ 3 shallots/spring onions finely chopped ◆◆ 3 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, chopped ◆◆1/2 cup olive oil ◆◆4 tbsp tomato sauce ◆◆1/4 cup of white wine vinegar ◆◆2 tsp Worcestershire sauce ◆◆3 fresh basil leaves finely chopped

Preheat oven to 180°C. Wash potatoes well, dry and place on baking tray. Place in middle of oven and roast for 1 hour.

Remove from oven and cut a small slice off top of each potato. Scoop out flesh and place in a bowl with butter, half the creme fraiche, parmesan, ham, shallots and half the chopped tomatoes.

Season with salt and pepper and mix together. Pile back into potatoes, drizzle with extra olive oil and return to oven for 20 minutes or until golden.

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Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 43

It wasn’t half tough, mate!

By Jon Rawlinson

I

clear my throat and prepare to express (in a blood-curdling yell): “GO ALL BLACKS!” But that’s not what comes out... instead I shout: “COME ON COUNTIES!” I’ve confused myself but not for long.

While the mighty ABs – even in training-strip blue and grey – might be ‘my team’, the recent game of three halves at Pukekohe’s ECOLight Stadium is a reminder that my passion for rugby stems from deeply-set grass roots.

Okay, so stadiums such as the ‘garden of Eden’ are necessary – otherwise, once all the corporates and media take their seats, there’d be no room left for genuine fans. But, when it comes to our game’s pumping heart, you’ll only find it beating in earnest in the provinces.

I claim a patch of grass and mud on the embankment with a couple of mates – visiting from Auckland, for their sins! The embankment is a thing of beauty. To me, it’s the best vantage point for provincial rugby. The milieu of mayhem reminds me of how the terraces at Eden Park used to be, back when the stands stood for

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One of my mates looks up at the houses on Prospect Terrace (which tower over the ground) and says: ‘If I ever move to Pukekohe, I’m living up there!’ I quip that he’d best hope the Steelers have a terrible season; it’s probably the only way house prices up there would drop.

From the ‘shouting gallery’ behind us (a corrugated iron clad structure at the back) heckles – often humorous, notoriously ‘blue’ – rain down on the visiting teams.

A chorus joins in from the make-shift bleachers in backyards and decks up on Prospect. Pukekohe may be a New Zealand town but, for tonight, it’s foreign and hostile territory for the All Blacks.

However, a convivial ‘welcome’ is

extended to All Black captain, Kieran Read.

The crowd and announcers are swift to remind the ex-pat Crusader that he’ll always be a Rosehill College boy and a Te Hihi School teacher’s son.

We’re not treated to champagne rugby, but who cares? Instead, the crowd feasts on more of a meat pie and warm larger variety and savours every mouthful.

It’s great to see the big boys rewarding heartland fans once in a while, although we’d like to see them more often. What we’re served is pure, parochial and just plain bloody good fun.

And the scores? Suffice it to say that: one day, a Taniwha came to Pukekohe.

After losing 73-0 to the All Blacks and 24-5 to Counties during 40 minute games, it must have been a long drive back to Northland! Meantime, the Steelers fared much better, falling to the world champs 35-7 after an early lead.

But what does all that matter?

Ultimately, these games signal just one thing,in particular, to the baying masses at ECOLight: now that all that Super bang bang bull’s business is over and the Mitre 10 Cup is set to go, it’s time for the real rugby to begin.

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e may be on the cusp of spring but Jack Frost still likes to play tricks on us.

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Those more accustomed to planting seedlings, will most likely have to wait a while yet but eager beavers can start sowing seed indoors.

Always check the sowing time on your seed packets and remember, tomatoes won’t germinate outdoors if it’s still chilly.

Start them indoors or wait until the soil is warmer. Other plants such as nasturtiums won’t sprout if the soil is too warm so you could get a head start on these.

Always use quality seed raising mix and check the sowing depth for seed.

Some will also need exposure to light so don’t bury the seed, just press into the surface of the mix. This is a good time to

sow carrots spinach, spring onions and beetroot outdoors if soil has warmed a bit; sow tomatoes, capsicum and lettuce in trays indoors or in a greenhouse.

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by Living Earth or use Yates Thrive – check with nursery staff if unsure of quantities.

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44 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

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Old man’s beard

T

– close shave required

his Father’s Day many a dad will retreat to his shed or garden just as soon as the obligatory pleasantries of looking pleased with a mediocre collection of homemade and ineffectual wares are done.

However, even happy pappies are liable to become grumpy old men when faced with a pest that’s found in Kiwi forests but also in many a man’s own backyard.

Requiring more than just a razor, old man’s beard is a serious threat; fortunately, thanks to the Department of Conservation, here are a few tips for cutting this cantankerous gent down to size:

What is old man’s beard?

Clematis vitalba (Old man’s beard) is a fast growing, deciduous climber. The characteristic feathery seed heads give this climber its name and appear from autumn to spring.

Seedlings have one to three leaflets and the mature plant has five leaves. The flowers, which appear in summer and early autumn, are creamy white in colour and perfumed. The vines have six strong longitudinal ribs and older stems have pale brown, stringy bark with longitudinal furrows.

Why is it a problem?

Old man’s beard is a vigorous plant capable of smothering large areas of native forest remnants. It scrambles and climbs over other vegetation including tall podocarp trees, denying them the light they need for growth and even breaking branches with the sheer weight of the vines.

It also prevents regeneration in forest gaps by blocking light to the ground and taking over where other species could establish.

In addition, by killing native woody plants, old man’s beard destroys food sources for native species, including birds, lizards and insects, and affects the ecosystem by killing trees, increasing the amount of dead material in forests.

Each stem can produce up to 10 metres of new growth in a season, and stems trailing along the ground can root at each stem node to produce new plants. Each plant can produce more than 100,000 seeds in a year, spread by wind and water. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Photo supplied / Susan Timmins

The habitat of this climber includes roadsides, river banks, gardens, hedges, shelter belts, disturbed forest and forest edges.

Control ◆◆Biological Control – A leaf fungus (Phoma clematidina) was released in the 1990s. A leaf miner (Phytomyza vitalbae) and a sawfly (Monophadnus spiolae) have also been released. ◆◆Manual Control – Small seedlings can be pulled out by hand. Large stems need to be cut, the roots grubbed out and placed off the ground where they cannot take root again. ◆◆Chemical Control – A variety of chemical controls are effective against old man’s beard, including Roundup, Escort and Versatil. Spray should be applied from November to March. Use the concentrations recommended by the manufacturers. Take care to spray only in still conditions to avoid wind drift to nontarget plants and don’t spray when rain is expected.

During spraying, non-target plants can be shielded with cardboard, plastic sheets or a large plastic container. The use of a marker dye helps to avoid double spraying and wastage, and a foaming agent can be added to the spray to help prevent spray drift.

As with all spraying, read the instructions on the manufacturer’s label closely and always wear protective clothing.

The best method of control is to cut

vines to ground level or to waist level in the winter or spring and to spray the regrowth in March. This method ensures that if the climber has covered a host plant, it will not be affected by the poison along with the old man’s beard itself.

Leave the vines in the tree to dry out before removing, to prevent damage to the host tree.

For larger specimens, the cut stump method can be used. Cut the base of the plant close to the ground with a straight flat cut. The cut must be horizontal so the herbicide will stay on the cut area and be absorbed.

Apply herbicide immediately, as the sap ceases to flow once the tissues are severed. There are several convenient ways the application can be made, with a paintbrush, eye dropper or a small squeeze bottle. For larger specimens it is only necessary to wipe the herbicide around the outer rim of the cut.

Make sure plants are left in the ground until the roots have died off. Do not re-apply herbicide too soon after the initial treatment.

Wait until the plant actively begins growing again. Old man’s beard will not be eradicated in one season, so watch for regrowth and seedlings then repeat control measures as required.

Contact the Department of Conservation for details regarding identification and control of invasive weed species; more information via doc.govt.nz.

– Prepared with the assistance of the Department of Conservation Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 45

Modern funerals

step beyond dourness

I

f funerals have seemed a sombre affair in the past and talk of death, morbid, then times have changed.

Today, many funerals are a celebration of life and will mostly reflect the personality of the deceased in a variety of ways. Mementoes and photographs are often placed on display, favourite songs are played, friends and family share special thoughts and sometimes the deceased will even feature in a pre-recorded video. In fact he or she may have detailed specific wishes about how their funeral should be carried out.

Clothes are brighter too and even caskets have changed. While traditional, varnished caskets are still the most requested, many people ask for a painted casket often choosing the deceased’s favourite colour.

Themed caskets are also selected to reflect personality or a special interest and sometimes families opt for more eco-

friendly caskets ranging from cardboard to cane. Some families even chose to paint or decorate the coffin themselves.

Because the modern funeral is more likely to contain elements of joy, thanks and warm memories, the style for services is often more relaxed than in the past

with beautiful service booklets featuring photographs and personal records.

In keeping with changing views, some funeral chapels also have a lounge where families can mingle with attendees rather than having to invite everyone home where space may be limited. What’s more, today’s funeral directors will even organise the refreshments and may organise flowers, too, if required.

Their assistance in all avenues of funeral preparation is comprehensive, well planned and totally professional, considerably easing the burden on the deceased’s family.

Grieving families require comfort and dignity and they need avenues to express their love in their own way.

Fortunately, services today tend to be extremely flexible, allowing for individuality, cultural requirements and a theme without losing their sense of composure and respect.

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46 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF YOUR LOVED ONE

Jo, Toni and John

Ensom Funeral Services is Family Owned and Operated.

15 East Street, Papakura. Phone 09 299 6646. www.ensomfunerals.co.nz

13880

13821

The Conveyancing Shop, 2 King Street, Pukekohe.

Phone (09) 273 1008 or 021 830308 sanctuarytrustlaw@gmail.com www.sanctuarytrustlaw.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Wills and Powers of Attorney

In Memory OF...

M

emorialisation is a time honoured tradition practised for centuries.

Many people through personal experience have expressed the importance of having a memorial as a place to visit on special dates and when there is a need for quiet reflection.

Grahams Monumental, a division of Grahams Funeral Services, has been helping families design, craft and install quality granite headstones and memorials since 1971. Skilled designer and monumental mason, Ivo Solleder will help families with informed choices and work through ideas to come up with a memorial which reflects the personality of a loved one and works within the family budget. It may be for a public or private cemetery, churchyard, burial or cremation plot, a garden or remembrance wall.

Personalised artwork is a specialty reflecting Ivo’s skill and desire to help create a special and meaningful memorial for your loved one. He can also assist to design a custom shaped memorial that can help reflect the personality of the person being memorialised.

While most of our memorials are made from granite, a beautiful natural stone available in variety of colours, we can also assist with bronze and ceramic plaques. Our showroom at 52 George St, Tuakau, has a large range of memorials and accessories – see gallery at www.grahamsheadstones.co.nz. At Grahams we also provide a renovation and restoration service which can help keep the family history links in place for future generations. So give us a call when the need arises 09-2368919

By Gavin Arnet, Director, Arnet Law

I

n our lifetime we all manage to establish something whether it be a property, a business or simply savings; we have interests that we would like to see protected. The easiest way to do so is to make sure you have a valid Will. Your Will is one of the most valuable legal documents you’ll create.

A Will sets out your wishes as to how your affairs should be managed after your death. It provides for the executors, nominated by you, to carry out your wishes; such things as to whom you want to provide for or the guardians of your children if anything should happen to you and your partner.

In most cases, people fail to make a Will because they are busy with day-to-day priorities rather than planning for the future. At the worst, dying without a Will results in the law determining how your estate is divided up and this could leave your family facing lengthy court action to deal with your assets.

Wills are important but they only take effect after you die.

What do you do if you want someone to help look after your affairs while you are still alive but your health deteriorates or if you go overseas or are otherwise unable to handle your affairs?

A Power of Attorney gives someone (the attorney) the authority to act legally on your behalf to the extent specified in the Power of Attorney. There are two main types of Powers of Attorney: “ordinary powers” and “enduring powers”.

Ordinary powers are often used for temporary purposes for example, if you’re going overseas and want someone to pay your bills.

Ordinary powers are valid only while the donor has mental capacity. Enduring powers are recommended for long term protection. Enduring Powers of Attorney can relate to property or your personal care and welfare. The donor can elect when the enduring Power of Attorney for property comes into effect whereas enduring powers for personal care and welfare only come into effect when the donor loses mental capacity.

A good time to arrange Powers of Attorney is when you make your Will. Like a Will, it can be revoked, replaced or varied by you at any time before you become mentally incapable. This should be done in writing and be properly signed and witnessed while the donor still has mental capacity.

Peace of mind comes in knowing Grahams has been serving Franklin and district for over 75 years

Leave it all to us.

Contact us to plan ahead, or for guidance and support with

For expert advice on making or updating your will, leave it to the specialists at your straight-talking local legal team.

all funeral arrangements.

Call: (09) 236 8919 (24 hours)

Tuakau | Pukekohe | Waiuku 13708

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 47

www.ruralliving.co.nz AL LEAVE IT TO US 67H X 90W 0816.indd 1

13434

www.grahamsfunerals.co.nz

15/08/16 10:45 am

Specialised role a calling T Sanctu Memor he privilege of working as a funeral director, and in the funeral industry, is not a job, it is a lifestyle and a calling.

Often we work unsociable hours and with families at a vulnerable time of their life. After losing a loved one, we enter their lives and join their families to become an integral part of organising a fitting farewell.

At Fountains, we believe the ceremony is very important in assisting a family reintegrate into society without Aaron, Wendy, Bella the cat, Yvonne and Ross. their loved one. However, what that ceremony looks like, is up to them. It is such as flowers and florists, food and our role to interpret those wishes. caterers, venues, service sheets and Planning an event is easy when it’s videography to name a few. a party and something you want to Attending to legal documentation, do. Planning a funeral is something no and liaison with authorities, doctors and one wants to have to do and therefore officiants, are other ways we can help. We becomes a specialised role. also provide emotional support to family A funeral service is often a celebration of members who are grieving. life and when we enter into people’s lives We then follow through on the day during this emotional time we must be of the service, setting the scene at the genuine in our way of caring. venue and preparing the hearses, meeting, Importantly, we can provide options

directing and greeting guests, helping children, the elderly and disabled and working the technical audio and visual equipment.

Fountains offers a wonderful diversity of activity in our local communities with sponsorships and support. Grief support evenings, memorial services, professional development training offered for caregivers, club sponsorships and our complimentary bereavement support are a few ways in which we contribute back to the community.

It’s important to let your family know what you want! Prearranging and/or recording your needs and wants will assist your family in the grief process, knowing they have honoured your wishes.

Fountains has been part of your community for many years and our qualified team considers every little detail to be of extreme importance. We are also available to give advice.

HEADSTONE SHOWR Sanctuary Memorials Package includes: HEADSTONE SHOWROOM

Sanctuary Memorials offer a unique range of headstone designs crafted from the finest quality granite.

• N ame and dates of your loved one on the headstone in 23ct gold leaf • Inscription on the base in 23ct gold leaf • Porcelain photo • All the words on the front of the headstone • Airbrushed art • Vases in gold or silver • Installation or shipping nationally or to any mainland Pacific Island • GST included LAYBY available

Visit our showroom at 13387

22 Harris Road, East tamaki

0800 600 001

www.sanctuarymemorials.co.nz 13963

48 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Right ‘Hon’, Guy! From wrangling low down dirty rats, to border battles on the biosecurity front, and seafaring with ‘porpoise’, Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, has again been tackling politics every which way he can. Rural Living explores just some of his recent adventures, based on ministerial reports.

Finding Hector Keys, wallets… dolphins, they’re always in the last place you look! Mr Guy seemed very pleased following the release of fresh ‘fishy’ figures suggesting New Zealand waters are home to a larger population of Hector’s dolphin than previously thought. “[Our] survey indicates the population of Hector’s dolphin is about 15,000 – this is up from previous estimates of around 7000,” Mr Guy announced recently.

Commissioned by Nate’s mates at the Minister for Primary Industries, the aerial survey involved 675 hours of flying time over a 26,000km area during a three-year period – much quicker than Heinrich Schliemann took to track down Troy!

“The results of this survey will be one consideration in the ongoing risk assessment for the species, and will factor into the Hector’s and Maui’s dolphin Threat Management Plan (TMP) which is due for full review in 2018.”

In place since 2008, the TMP identifies threats to these species and plans for protection measures. Once results have been fully securitised, the TMP review may be moved forward, added Conservation Minister, Maggie Barry.

“The Hector’s dolphin, along with its North Island subspecies, the Maui dolphin, is one of the world’s smallest dolphins and while this new population estimate is encouraging, the Government remains committed to ensuring we have adequate protections in place for both species.”

Champion-ing at the bit To better protect our shores from foreign hordes, MPI has enlisted a team of Champions, including a Marshall for the troops, a ‘Die Hard’ farmer and a Ruud man who’s batty about bugs.

The ‘Biosecurity Champions’ programme will help raise awareness of the importance of biosecurity to all New Zealanders, and is just one of a number of initiatives outlined in a new direction statement, Mr Guy said.

“In recent years, we’ve beefed up our border protection and the new Biosecurity www.ruralliving.co.nz

If it bleeds, we can kill it

2025 Direction Statement which emerges from consultation will help build on that.

“In the future, we can expect challenges from an increasing number of tourists and imports bringing a greater diversity of risks.

Opportunities from new technologies will better connect people and information to identify and quickly act on risks.”

Mr Guy’s champions are: Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee chair, Graeme Marshall, past president of Federated Farmers, Bruce Wills, TV’s Ruud “bugman” Kleinpaste, and biosecurity scientist, Anna Probert.

“New Zealand has a world leading biosecurity system, but the challenges and opportunities we face are changing rapidly,” Mr Guy added. “The time is right to identify the changes and improvements that will be needed to maintain a resilient biosecurity system over the next 10 years.”

The discussion document is available via www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity2025.

Making our country predator-free by 2050 is liable to require a heroic effort.

Luckily, although Captain America and the Avengers are busy re-hashing old film franchises, Nathan Guy and his band of super friends are on hand to try to make this happen.

Late last month, Mr Guy (along with the PM, Minister of Conservation, Maggie Barry, and Science and Innovation Minister, Steven Joyce) announced the establishment of Predator Free New Zealand Limited to drive pest eradication efforts nationwide.

A massive team effort across the public, private, iwi and community sectors will be needed to fund programmes (such as those tasked with tackling bovine tuberculosis) Mr Guy said.

“Possums and ferrets are the main carriers of bovine TB, which is a very destructive disease for cattle and deer.

The Government committed $100 million towards combined eradication efforts with industry, starting with cattle and deer by 2026.

“By pooling our resources and working together we can jointly achieve our goals of both eradicating bovine TB, and achieving a predator free New Zealand.”

Project goals include complete removal of all introduced predators from offshore island nature reserves.

Ms Barry adds that New Zealand’s unique native creatures and plants are central to our national identity.

“They evolved for millions of years in a world without mammals and, as a result, are extremely vulnerable to introduced predators, which kill around 25 million native birds every year.

“Now is the time for a concerted longterm nationwide effort to rid ourselves of the introduced rats, stoats and possums that have placed so much of our natural heritage in jeopardy.”

Fortunately, Guy’s coalition appears (so far) to have overlooked New Zealand’s most destructive foreign predator of all... man!

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 49

health AND SAFETY FOR ALL…

Limited supply plus strong demand equals firm prices

By Kylie Bosanac, Nick Bosanac Builders Limited

D

By David Powell, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

T

hose with properties to sell will be pleased to see that demand is still firm but it will be interesting to see what volume of properties come on in the annual spring flush!

Some commentators are predicting that volumes will rise but not to the level of previous years. The reason being if people were going to sell, most of them would already have done so. This will then mean a continuation of low property supply resulting in firm prices.

There is some sign that investors are pulling out of the rental market as the Reserve Bank LVR rules start to bite.

Preference is being given to those people buying new houses – no wonder the building industry is a pressure cooker at present!

July 2016 compared with July 2015

12 Month Price Change

Auckland region Metro Auckland Outer Auckland Waikato/BoP region Waikato Country Northland

12 Month Volume Change

12.2% -20.3% 13.1% -20.6% 6.9% -18.1% 26% -14.4% 21.6% -30.5% 15.7% -1.5%

Real Estate inventory continues to fall with a 33% decline in properties available for sale year on year according to the REINZ August news release.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Contact us now for a FREE competitive quote for your pre-purchase house inspection

Alister (Ali) Stanton Ph: 021 906 657 • Ph: 0800 80 80 45 Email: ali.wuhi@clear.net.nz www.whatsuphouseinspections.co.nz

✔ BOINZ Accredited Inspectors or Licensed Building Practitioners ✔ Up to date equipment ✔ Comprehensive reports ✔ Same day turnaround ✔ Efficient and confidential ✔ Competitive pricing ✔ Large trade database ✔ Our Inspectors have Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance and are all Certified Meth Samplers 11884

50 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

on’t stop reading! And don’t roll your eyes! No one likes this topic, so I’m going to make this as pain free as possible!

Over the past few years, a lot has been done to make sure homes are being built by the right people, who use the right materials and follow the right practices to ensure you receive a quality home that will stand the test of time.

However, there are still cowboys and shortcut takers out there.

Safety measures on the job site are an added expense and involve more paper work – which tradies LOVE! – Not. But we each deserve to go home at the end of the day, unharmed.

MBIE has issued a Prescribed Checklist as a guide when arranging a build and hiring a builder. However, if you want assurances your builder follows sound H&S practices, you may have to dig deeper.

When checking your builder’s references, ask not only about workmanship and experience, but also about H&S on site. Check for affiliations with safety organisations such as Site Safe or Hazard Co. Check your quote to see what H&S measures have been allowed for and when you visit an active building site with your builder look for: ◆◆ A visible hazard board – it should be reviewed daily and updated as needed ◆◆ A quick safety run down (induction) from your builder before entering the site. He should escort you or other visitors around an active building site ◆◆Workers wearing high visibility shirts and steel cap safety boots ◆◆ Safety fencing – on all residential sites or where there is a high chance members of the public may wander on to the site ◆◆ Scaffolding – required from the time wall frames go up until the exterior is fully clad, painted and finished ◆◆ Safety nets – required from the time walls are framed until the roof is completed ◆◆Ladders – used in a limited capacity, staying off top two rungs ◆◆Site loo ◆◆Rubbish skip ◆◆Safety conscious attitudes At the heart of it all is responsibility and common sense. The company you sign your build contract with has the primary responsibility for safety on site. The buck stops with them to ensure measures are in place, and teams are competent and confident enough to see that common sense prevails. But for the client’s peace of mind, knowing that EVERY aspect of the build is in great hands, is as priceless as life itself.

If you want to talk about your build goals, drop us a line or pop in. We have a wide range of resources to help get it right.

Call at our new showroom/office 31a Rangi Road, Takanini Monday – Friday, 9am-2:30pm or by arrangement. Visit us on Facie!: www.facebook.com/nickbosanacbuilder/

Nick Bosanac Builders Phone 09 236 8413, 021 989 636 nick@bosanacbuilders.co.nz www.bosanacbuilders.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rise and rise of SUVs A long with record sales year to the end of July 2016, consumer preferences for vehicles continues to evolve with registrations of SUVs now regularly outstripping all other passenger vehicle segments.

Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association, David Crawford, says “the strongest net immigration on record, healthy tourism sector and a generally robust economy continues to drive sales of new vehicles beyond that expected with sales in July of 11,570 new vehicles.

This is up 11.6 per cent on July 2015, and delivering a steady 6.2 per cent growth for the year to date.”

There were 7702 passenger and SUV vehicle registrations, and 3868 commercial vehicle registrations in July, which were once again the highest month of July on record for commercial vehicle registrations.

The SUV segments accounted for 34 per cent of vehicle registrations for July, followed by passenger segments with 32 per cent and the light commercial segments with a 28 per cent share. For the month of July, the top models sold where either SUVs or light commercial vehicles with only three passenger models making the top fifteen.

“Consumer preferences for different types of vehicles continues to evolve,” says Crawford. “It is the rise and rise of the SUV segment that has seen the biggest substitution over the years.

“It accounted for only 12 per cent of the market in 2002 and 18 per cent during the global financial crisis, but by the end of 2016 it is likely to be 37 percent of the market. In which case, 2016 will, for the first time, see the SUV segment outselling

Ford sold 925 Rangers in July, an all-time New Zealand record for light commercials.

Photo Alistair Davidson

the passenger segment over a 12-month period.”

Toyota was the overall market leader for the month of July with 17 per cent market share (2024 units) with Ford second on 13 per cent (1550 units) and Holden third with 8 per cent (980 units).

Ford Ranger not only retained its position as the monthly top selling commercial model for July with 24 per cent market share (925 units), it was the top selling model overall for the month of July and it also set a new record for the number of light commercial vehicles sold in a month. The previous highest monthly sales of a light commercial model was the Toyota Hilux in June 2014 with 847 units.

Year to date, Ranger retains its lead as the top-selling commercial model with 20 per cent market share (4925 units) followed by the Toyota Hilux, with 15 per cent market share (3749 units).

Mazda plays it safe Mazda’s brand-new CX-9 has been awarded the maximum 5-star rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) in its combined safety performance evaluation.

The CX-9 performed well across all categories – achieving an overall score of 35.87 (out of a possible 37 points). CX-9 performed commendably across each of the destructive tests and also scored well in the areas of whiplash and pedestrian protection. With this latest result, every current new-model Mazda has achieved 5-Star safety ratings.

The Brand-New Mazda CX-9 will be released here on October 1.

Fully factory trained technicians State-of-the-art workshop facilities and equipment New Holden and Nissan Vehicles Access to over 300 used cars Onsite finance and insurance

EBBETT

MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

PHONE 0800 405 050

Cnr Edinburgh & Tobin Sts • Pukekohe E: ross@ebbett.co.nz • www.ebbett.co.nz 01011-v2

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 51

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Engraving Abercrombie

00683

Ph / Fax: 09 298 9002 Email: sandywilson@xtra.co.nz www.rainbowcurtains.co.nz

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TILES

• Resin Trophies • Signs & Labels • Sports Trophies • Sublimation Printing

4 Hamlet Pl, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 4343 abercrombieengraving.co.nz

Home and Away supply all cleaning products and equipment.

on elliot

Visit to discover a huge range of stylish, quality tiles

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Shop 2, 33 Edinburgh St (next to Pizza Hut) Pukekohe Phone 09 239 2964

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Home and Away's services include: – Regular home and office cleaning – Show homes – Moving in and out cleans – Builder renovations or clean ups – Rental home cleaning – Window cleans – Gift vouchers for special occasions

Contact Heidi 027 244 9000 or Deb 021 772 957 Email deb@homeandaway.co.nz

Building or Buying or Selling?

• Residential, Commercial & Industrial Plan Approval and Compliance Inspection Services • Pre-purchase Inspection Reports • Building Advice • Unauthorised Building Resolution Ph 272 2269 Fax 272 2270 Email: info@bldgcert.co.nz Unit 23/2 Bishop Dunn Place, Botany South, Auckland 2013 PO Box 217 012, Botany Junction 2164 www.compassbuilding.co.nz

00796

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PATUMAHOE CABINETMAKERS

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01918

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MADSEN LAWRIE CONSULTANTS LTD

LAND SURVEYORS 01085

Come and see us for a free consultation, great advice, and award winning design.

Phone 09 239 2226 Address: 171 Manukau Road, Pukekohe

Visit us online at www.mastercraft.co.nz 52 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

14 Hall St PO Box 177, Pukekohe Tel 09 238 6369 Fax 09 238 2448

LAND SUbDIvISION

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Manufacturers of timber frames and trusses Suppliers of all building materials including timber, hardware, stairs and doors plus landscaping materials such as concrete, blocks, bricks and pavers We can come to you or visit us at: 28 Trugood Dr, East Tamaki.

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RURAL & LIFESTYLE

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54 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

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14 Constable Rd, Waiuku.

Ph 09 235 8268.

Water Tank Cleaning (While full or empty) Water Tank Maintenance Water Deliveries ~ Swimming Pools Filled

Grant Escott FENCING

00235

Mike mobile 021 765 629

24-Hour Callout Service • Pump & Well Services • Plumbing – Drainage – Concrete Supplies

VISIT US AT

CONTRACTOR

www.trackworks.co.nz

FOR ALL YOUR UNDERCARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS...

Workshop – Engineering –Onsite Welding and Mechanical services available Castrol Distributors: Agents for Fleet Guard IIIIIIII IIIII IIIII Filters, Exide Batteries.

IIII I IIII IIIIII

• Decks • Post Driving • Retaining Walls • Rural & Residential Fencing

III

III III IIII IIIIII

III IIII WE KNOW TRACKS, IT’S IN OUR IIII III III I I IIIIII I I I IIIIIIIII NAME, MAKE TRACKS TO US IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Phone: 09 238 7168 Fax: 09 239 2605 Email: trackworks@xtra.co.nz Yard at 71 Adams Drive, Pukekohe

Free quotes – Competitive rates 00983

027 236 8753 • 09 236 8753 grant.kylie@xtra.co.nz

SEPTIC TANK ANd

GREASE TRAP CLEANING SST SERVICES 39 Firth St, Drury

p: 09 294 7611 e: msport@ihug.co.nz John: 0274 923 669 Robbie: 0274 967 430

02335

MIKE JULIAN Freephone (0508) RURAL H20 (0508) 787 254

03290

KEVIN PLATT BOB CAT SERVICES 0274 928 701 ah 09 238 6923

CALL IN AND SEE US

03183

Building Site Preparation Site Cleaning and Base Filling Driveways and Landscape Shaping Free Quotes

directory

01248

“Kill” Ferrets, Possum, Rats and Rabbits “Dead” Two sizes, standard and mini available

Possum/Rat/Rabbit bait stations • Specifically developed to protect bait from rain and prevent blockages which can occur in other bait stations. Waterproof.

• The preferred bait station used by professional pest control agencies.

• Large bait station is ideal for baiting rabbits.

Also available rodent bait stations, block baits, Timms traps, rodent snap traps

• Bore Pump Sales & Servicing • Water Pump Sales & Servicing • Water Purification • Water Tanks • Water Testing • Electrical • Filters

Ferret/Stoat trap covers/Fenn traps • Specifically designed to cover MK 4 or MK 6 Fenn (kill) traps • Narrow entrance guides the ferret/stoat over centre of trigger plate

40 CROSBIE ROAD, PUKEKOHE

01322

PH 09 237 0050

PHILPROOF

• Stockproof • Available in single or double models • MK 4, great rat trap ex UK

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Mitre 10, 25 Bowen St. Bombay Autobahn, State Highway 1.

Tuakau Tuakau Meats, 23 George St. Tuakau Pharmacy, 51 George St. H.R Fiskens, 295 Tuakau Rd. Field Fresh Fruit & Vege, 3/53 George St. Profarm Tuakau, Cnr Madill Rd and George St. Ardmore Animal Stuff, 192 Airfield Rd.

Timms

Target Species Possum

Target Species Possum

Large Bait Station

Rodent Bait Station

Target Species Rabbits & Possum Target Species Mice & Rats Double Trap Cover

Target Species Stoat/Ferret

T-Rex Snap Trap Target Species Mice & Rats

Phone/Fax (07) 859 2943 • Mobile (021) 270 5896 Email philproof@gmail.com • www.philproof.co.nz

Rural Living is available FREE from selected advertisers and the following locations: Pukekohe RD1 Pukekohe, 239 Manukau Rd. Cafe Kaos, 44 Edinburgh St. Barfoot and Thompson, 68 King St. Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave. Franklin Vets, 86 Harris St. Papakura Franklin Vets, 365 Great South Rd. Pokeno Pokeno Bacon, Great South Rd. Waiuku Franklin Vets, 2 Court St.

Bait Station Mini

Karaka Animal Stuff, 671 Karaka Rd. Drury Animal Stuff, 222 Great South Rd. Drury Butcher, 232a Great South Rd. Town & Country Vets, 257 Great South Rd. Patumahoe The Butchers Shop Cafe, 4 Patumahoe Rd.

01841

Philproof bait feeders are the answer

Rural Living is delivered in the first week of each month. Copies will go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

An electronic version is also available at ruralliving.co.nz

Clevedon Clevedon Dairy, 14 Main Rd, Clevedon Village Clevedon Rural Supplies, 13 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Clevedon Village Te Kauwhata Te Kauwhata Pharmacy, 14 Main Rd.

Rural Living — August-September 2016 — 55

56 — Rural Living — August-September 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz 02231-v7